Overview
This species is the smallest eider. The male is unmistakable with his white head marked by a thick black eye ring and greenish-black tufts of feathers on the forehead and the back of the head. Chin, throat and neck are also black, as are the back, tail, and rump. Wings are dark bluish-purple with white edging. When folded, they give a striped appearance across the back. The speculum is metallic blue bordered with white. The breast and flanks are cinnamon-buff marked with a black spot on each side just above the waterline. Legs, feet and bill are dark bluish-grey. The female is a dark brown bird, smaller with a more typically duck-shaped head and body than other eider species. The drake's call is a deep crooning, although it is relatively quiet compared to the Somateria eiders. The hen also has a repertoire of grunts and whistles.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Anatidae
- Genus
- Somateria
- Species
- stelleri
Habitat
Coastal waters and tundra.
Diet
This species dives for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a preferred food.
Behavior
The lined nest is built on tundra close to the sea, and 6–10 eggs are laid.
Hunting
Unknown.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerableby IUCN.