Steller’s Eider — Length 17 inches
Steller’s Eider is a small sea duck that inhabits coastal areas of the Arctic and subarctic regions. They are known for their striking appearance, with the male having a white head, black neck, and back, white sides and belly, and greenish-blue feathers on their nape, while the female has a brownish body with darker feathers on their wings.
Steller’s Eiders are found in the coastal waters of northern Russia, Alaska, and Canada during the breeding season, where they nest in shallow depressions on the ground near water. During the non-breeding season, they migrate south and can be found in coastal waters from Norway to Japan and the northern United States.
These ducks are known for their unique vocalizations and their tendency to form large flocks during the non-breeding season. They are also listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting, making them a subject of conservation efforts in many areas.
© USFWS
All the following images are © Alan Wilson
Note the colorful upper wing pattern.
