king eider
Quick Summary
The king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a species of large sea duck belonging to the family Anatidae. These ducks are characterized by their heavy, round bodies and humped bills, which give them a distinctive sloping profile. King eiders are found in circumpolar regions and are known for the large, bulbous processes at the base of their bills.12
Like other eiders, they are a source of eiderdown, a warm and soft down harvested from the female's breast, used for filling clothing and bedding. While females are mottled brown, males display striking patterns, often with white and black plumage and a unique green pigment on their heads. They inhabit cold, northern waters, breeding along icy coasts and wintering at sea.1
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