The king eider is a large sea duck that breeds in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but some populations have experienced declines in recent decades. In this article, we will examine how rare the king eider truly is by looking at its global population, distribution, breeding habits, and conservation status.
What is the king eider?
The king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a large sea duck in the genus Somateria. It belongs to the family Anatidae, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. Some key facts about the king eider:
- Length: 18-24 inches
- Wingspan: 32-37 inches
- Weight: 2.5-4.4 pounds
- Plumage: Dramatically colored black, white and gray. Males have a reddish orange bill.
- Diet: Mollusks, crustaceans, insects, fish eggs
- Habitat: Arctic and subarctic marine coasts
- Range: Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The king eider is the largest duck in the genus Somateria. It is recognizable by its striking black, white and gray plumage. Males have a dramatic color pattern with a reddish-orange bill. Females are more modestly patterned with brown plumage.
Global Population and Distribution
The global population of the king eider is estimated at 1.5-2 million mature individuals. The table below shows population estimates for the major subpopulations:
Region | Population |
---|---|
North America (Canada & Greenland) | 500,000-1,000,000 |
Northern Europe & Western Siberia | 500,000-1,000,000 |
Northeast Siberia | 100,000-500,000 |
The king eider has a circumpolar Arctic distribution, breeding in Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Its breeding range extends as far south as James Bay in Canada and as far north as the northern coasts of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Outside of the breeding season, the king eider can be found further south along coastlines and offshore waters of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Europe and Asia. However, it largely restricts itself to colder marine waters within the subarctic region.
Breeding and Nesting
The king eider breeds in tundra habitat, usually within 50 km of the coast. Nests are built on the ground lined with vegetation and down feathers. Average clutch size is 5-6 eggs. Only the female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.
Key facts about king eider breeding:
- Breeding season: Early June to early July
- Nest: Ground scrape lined with down, hidden in vegetation
- Clutch size: 5-6 eggs
- Incubation: 23-25 days (female only)
- Fledging period: Around 50 days
Nesting near water provides the young with protection from predators. The eggs and nests are well concealed to avoid detection. The hen will often carry the young to water within 24 hours of hatching. King eiders frequently nest in loose colonies, with nests spaced together along coastal habitat.
Conservation Status
The king eider has an extremely large range and population size. Based on these factors, it is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, some local declines have been noted, leading to more specific conservation concerns.
The North American subspecies (S. s. spectabilis) has experienced population declines by an estimated 50-60% over the past 40 years. This is believed to be driven by a mix of threats, including:
- Overharvest by subsistence hunting
- Expanded predation
- Oil pollution
- Habitat degradation
This decline has resulted in the North American subspecies being listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as a species of Special Concern under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. Ongoing monitoring and updated population assessments will shed more light on the current trajectory for king eider numbers.
How Rare is the King Eider Overall?
When looking at the total global population, the king eider remains relatively abundant and widespread. However, regional declines, particularly in North America, indicate the species faces growing threats and is declining in portions of its range.
Key points about the rarity of the king eider:
- Global population still numbers in the millions
- Circumpolar distribution covers remote Arctic regions of three continents
- Classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN Red List
- North American subspecies has experienced significant declines and is now considered Vulnerable
- Exact current population trajectory is unclear
While not globally rare or endangered, the king eider warrants continued monitoring due to the declines observed in parts of its range. Conservation actions should focus on preserving Arctic habitat and mitigating key threats like overharvesting and pollution. With appropriate protections, the majestic king eider may continue to thrive across the remote Arctic regions it calls home.
Conclusion
The king eider remains a numerous circumpolar sea duck, with an estimated global population of 1.5-2 million mature individuals. However, the North American subspecies has undergone declines over the past several decades, prompting a Vulnerable listing on the IUCN Red List. exact current population trajectory remains unclear.
While not at imminent risk of extinction, the king eider faces threats across portions of its range that could potentially impact global numbers over the long term. Continued monitoring and implementation of conservation actions focused on habitat protection and managing harvest levels will be important for ensuring the long-term survival of this unique and iconic sea duck.