The King Eider is arguably the most spectacular duck in North America — breeding males have a powder-blue head, red-orange bill with a prominent yellow frontal knob, and jet-black body. They breed on remote High Arctic tundra and dive to depths exceeding 200 feet to pry sea urchins from the ocean floor.
Best time to see a King Eider
The best time to see a King Eider is October–February, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,117 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a King Eider? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent King Eider sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a King Eider?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.