Facts about King Eider
- 07
Synchronized hatching in King Eider broods occurs within 24 hours through embryonic vocalizations, allowing ducklings to depart the nest together for increased predator avoidance.
- 06
Clutch sizes for King Eiders typically range from 3 to 5 eggs, with incubation lasting approximately 29 days before ducklings hatch in late summer Arctic colonies.
- 05
Eider down from King Eider nests provides exceptional insulation with a warmth-to-weight ratio superior to synthetic alternatives, historically commanding premium prices in luxury bedding markets.
- 04
Females of this species possess cryptic brown plumage that provides essential camouflage while nesting on exposed Arctic tundra, contrasting sharply with males' vibrant coloration.
- 03
During spring migration, female King Eiders travel up to 3,000 miles from wintering grounds in the Atlantic to breed in Arctic tundra colonies.
- 02
Arctic waters around Greenland and northern Russia host the largest King Eider populations, with over 1 million birds wintering in these regions during harsh polar conditions.
- 01
Male King Eiders develop striking orange-yellow foreheads and possess a specialized valve in their esophagus allowing them to dive deeper than 200 feet for mollusks and crustaceans.