A rare Arctic eider with vivid blue head and orange-rust breast. Among the rarest of US sea ducks.

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 30–70 cm (12–28 in); wingspan 55–95 cm
Weight300–1,800 g
LifespanWild 5–20 years
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae

§ Encyclopedia

Steller's eider is a migratory Arctic sea duck that breeds along the coastlines of Russia and Alaska, as well as in the Baltic Sea. It is the smallest, and fastest flying of the duck species known as eiders; it is closely related to the other species of eider in the genus Somateria, but sufficiently distinct to be given separate recognition as the only member of the genus Polysticta.

Source: Wikipedia — Steller's eider Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Male has a white head with a green tuft and black eye patch, chestnut underparts with a black breast spot, and a black collar. Female dark mottled brown.

Similar species. Other eiders are larger with sloping bills; Steller's small size, fast flight, and (male) chestnut belly are distinctive.

Voice. Mostly silent; soft growls and coos.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Varies by species: aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates, fish.

Behavior. The smallest and fastest-flying eider; a threatened species that winters in shallow Alaskan coastal lagoons and dives for invertebrates, often in tight flocks.

§ Range

Arctic Alaska, Russia

§ Habitat

Arctic sea coasts

§ Threats

Climate change, habitat loss, oil spills.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the steller's eider is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support Arctic conservation. Donate to USFWS Alaska programs.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List