Spectacled Eider vs King Eider

In short

The Spectacled Eider and King Eider are both large sea ducks, but they can be distinguished by their unique head markings and bill shapes. The Spectacled Eider has a distinctive white 'spectacle' pattern around its eyes, while the King Eider features a more pronounced orange bill and a colorful head. Both species are found in Arctic regions, but their wintering habits differ.

Identification tips

1. Look for the white spectacles around the eyes on Spectacled Eiders. 2. Note the orange bill and colorful head of the male King Eider. 3. In females, check for the subtle spectacles on Spectacled Eiders versus the more varied pattern on King Eiders. 4. Consider the habitat: Spectacled Eiders are more restricted to the Bering Sea in winter, while King Eiders have a broader range.

Size

Both species are similar in size, being large sea ducks.

Plumage

The male Spectacled Eider has a striking white 'spectacle' pattern around its eyes, contrasting with its green head. The male King Eider, on the other hand, has a colorful head with a pale blue crown and a distinct orange bill. Female plumage is more cryptic in both species, but the Spectacled Eider female has a more uniform brown with subtle spectacles, while the King Eider female has a more varied pattern.

Behaviour

Both species dive to forage on marine invertebrates, but the King Eider also forages on freshwater invertebrates during the breeding season.

Habitat

Spectacled Eiders are more restricted in their wintering range, often found in the Bering Sea, while King Eiders have a broader wintering range across the Arctic, including the Bering Sea and further south.

Voice

Vocalizations are not prominently mentioned for field identification, suggesting they are not a primary distinguishing feature.