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Spectacled Eider
Somateria fischeri
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Showing primary migration corridor(s) for this species
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About the Spectacled Eider
The spectacled eider (pronounced ) (Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia. The spectacled eider is slightly smaller than the common eider at 52–57 cm (20.5–22.5 in) in length. The male is unmistakable with its black body, white back, and yellow-green head with the large circular white eye patches which give the species its name. The drake's call is a weak crooning, and the female's a harsh croak. The female is a rich brown bird, but can still be readily distinguished from all ducks except other eider species on size and structure. The paler goggles are visible with a reasonable view and clinch identification.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Somateria fischeri
- Family
- Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
- Order
- Anseriformes
Similar species
Other members of the ducks, geese, and waterfowl family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- American Black Duck Anas rubripes
- American Wigeon Mareca americana
- Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri
- Baikal Teal Sibirionetta formosa
- Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
- Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
- Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica
- Black Scoter Melanitta americana
- Black Swan Cygnus atratus
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Black-necked Swan Cygnus melancoryphus
- Blue-billed Teal Spatula hottentota
Know when the Spectacled Eider turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Spectacled Eider
Optics
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Cameras
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