Spectacled Eider

Somateria fischeri

The Spectacled Eider is a striking sea duck found in the Arctic regions of North America and eastern Siberia. Named for the distinctive white rings around its eyes, this species is known for its unique breeding behavior, often nesting in colonies on coastal tundra. Spectacled Eiders are primarily marine, foraging in shallow coastal waters for mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to open water areas and pack ice. This species faces threats from habitat degradation, oil spills, and climate change, leading to population declines in some areas.

Habitat: Coastal tundra and shallow marine waters