Spectacled Eider

Overview

The Spectacled Eider is a large sea duck restricted to a narrow breeding range in Alaska and northeastern Siberia, wintering in a relatively small area of the Bering Sea. Breeding males show a pale green head marked by large, rounded white patches outlined in black around each eye, giving a goggle- or spectacle-like appearance, paired with a black breast and white back. Females show a more subdued version of the same pattern, with a paler ring around the eye set against an otherwise brown, barred body.

Feather Identification

• Eye patches: Large, rounded white patches outlined in black surround each eye in males, creating a spectacle-like pattern unmatched by any other eider species.
• Head color: A pale green wash covers the rest of the head, contrasting with the bold white-and-black eye patches.
• Body contrast: A black breast and white back complete the male's pattern, similar in general layout to other eiders but distinguished by the head markings.
• Female eye ring: Females show a paler, less contrasting eye-ring pattern against an overall brown, barred body, a subtler version of the male's spectacled look.
• Overall shape: A rounded head profile and moderately heavy bill support the distinctive facial feather pattern.

Plumage Notes

Breeding males show a pale green head with bold white, black-outlined eye patches, a black breast, and a white back. Females are brown and barred with a paler eye-ring pattern echoing the male's spectacled look. Eclipse males become duller, losing much of the head color and contrast until breeding plumage returns. The species undergoes a complete post-breeding molt with a flightless period, and much of the population is known to molt and winter in specific offshore areas of the Bering Sea. Juveniles resemble females and gradually develop adult male head patterning.

Habitat & Range

Spectacled Eiders breed on tundra wetlands in a limited range across western Alaska and northeastern Siberia, nesting near shallow ponds. In winter, much of the population concentrates in specific offshore areas of the Bering Sea, often associated with pack ice. The species is migratory but restricted to a comparatively narrow overall range compared to other eiders, and it is recognized under a conservation status of IUCN Near Threatened in some assessments due to its limited distribution.

Behavior & Field Notes

Spectacled Eiders forage by diving for invertebrates, both in shallow tundra ponds during the breeding season and in deeper offshore waters during winter. Nesting occurs on the ground near wetland ponds, with females solely responsible for incubation. The species is known for large-scale post-breeding movements to specific wintering areas, a pattern that has been of particular interest given its restricted range. Calls are generally soft, with low crooning notes given during courtship, similar to other eiders.