Is the spectacled eider endangered?

What kind of Duck is a spectacled eider?

The spectacled eider (pronounced / ˈaɪ.dər /) ( Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia . The spectacled eider is slightly smaller than the common eider at 52–57 cm (20–22 inches) in length.

Why is it illegal to hunt spectacled eiders in Alaska?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally listed the spectacled eider as Threatened because of a more than 96% drop in breeding population size in Alaska. With this listing and protection from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1991, it is illegal to harvest any individuals through either sport or subsistence hunting.

Why are spectacled eiders endangered?

Spectacled eiders have a fairly rapid development to be such large birds; it only takes about 53 days or less before they can fly. There are multiple factors that threaten spectacled eider populations in the future including climate change and habitat loss. Historically their range was much larger than just the coast of Alaska and Russia.

What is a spectacled eider?

The Spectacled eider is a large mysterious sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia. The male is unmistakable with its black body, white back, and yellow-green head with the large circular white eye patches which give the species its name.

What does a crested eider duck look like?

The crested iridescent head is green and purple-brown. White throat has black ring; black tail and black-green speculum are edged in white. Common Eider: Large diving duck (v-nigrum), with distinctive sloping forehead, black body, white breast and back.

Is the spectacled eider endangered?

The current population level of spectacled eiders is significantly lower than historical levels. The species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is a State of Alaska species of special concern. Current nesting population is ~8,000 breeding pairs in Alaska and ~140,000 individuals in Russia.

Do eiders make good pets?

The IUCN lists the Spectacled Eider and the Common Eider as Near Threatened and the King Eider as Least Concern. Humans have not domesticated these seaducks in any way. No, Eiders do not make good pets. They are wild birds and are not friendly towards humans.

Is it illegal to hunt a spectacled eider?

With this listing and protection from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1991, it is illegal to harvest any individuals through either sport or subsistence hunting. As a diving duck, the spectacled eider forages for food in the water by swimming and diving underwater.

What does a female spectacled eider look like?

However, a distinct characteristic of the female spectacled eiders are the round patches of slightly lighter brown feathers around the eyes. The female spectacled eider is also comparatively duller and paler in color with less distinctive barring than the females of other eider species.

What do spectacled eiders eat?

During the nesting season, they forage in ponds by diving and dabbling, often feeding on aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and vegetation. They will also feed on grasses, berries, and seeds. Spectacled eiders generally congregate in large, dense flocks in the winter in small openings in the sea ice.

Is the spectacled eider a sea duck?

Special Status Listing: Yes, see Status, Trends and Threats. The spectacled eider is a medium-sized sea duck measuring an average 53 cm in length for males and 50 cm in length for females. Adult male breeding plumage is characterized by a white back and a black tail, belly and chest.

What kind of bird is a spectacled eider?

Spectacled Eider – eBird This peculiar Arctic sea duck breeds on the tundra in Alaska and far eastern Russia and winters in massive flocks among pack ice in the Bering Sea. Males have a unique olive-green head with white goggles, a dark breast, and a carrot-orange bill.

Do you know the difference between crested and non-crested ducks?

Although using a crested and a non-crested duck means more eggs are viable, the ones that turn out crested have smaller “hairdos”. Sadly, not many people know the sad truth behind the hilarious-looking “hairstyles” of crested ducks, as they are mainly portrayed as adorable farm animals.

What time of year do spectacled eiders nest?

Spectacled eiders arrive on the breeding grounds as pairs in late-May or in June. Preferred nest sites appear to be on islands or peninsulas in lakes. Nest initiation typically occurs in May-July and varies according to numerous factors that include latitude and weather.

What is the difference between a spectacled eider and an Akikiki?

The Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia. The `Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi) is s a small honeycreeper.

What are the pros and cons of owning a bird?

Because birds are naturally very hygienic animals, their owners can usually maintain their pet’s health and good looks with a quick nail trim occasionally and a shower of plain water once or twice a week. 5. Birds Are Very Social Creatures A bird is a wonderful choice if you want a pet that will form a strong bond with you.

Is the spectacled eider an endangered species?

The spectacled eider was listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1993 but remains listed as under Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The Red List keep the listing in this category because the spectacled eider does not meet the range size criterion or the population trend criterion.

What does a spectacled eider look like?

The spectacled eider is a medium-sized sea duck measuring an average 53 cm in length for males and 50 cm in length for females. Adult male breeding plumage is characterized by a white back and a black tail, belly and chest.

What do eiders eat at zoos?

Though their exact needs vary based on the species, zookeepers usually feed these birds a variety of shellfish, shrimp, small fish, and other aquatic creatures. Some zoos that keep Eiders include St. Louis Zoo, Alaska SeaLife Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and more. Unlike most species of ducks, these swim and forage in the ocean.

How do eiders fly in the winter?

Spectacled eiders generally congregate in large, dense flocks in the winter in small openings in the sea ice. Outside the winter, they typically fly in small, compact flocks of less than 50 individuals. They typically fly with a rapid wing beat less than 50m above the ground or water.

How many eggs does a crested duck lay?

You will discover that domesticated duck breeds typically grow slower than some breeds and are largely kept for egg-laying purposes. We found that the mature Crested duck hens commonly lay between 100 to 130 large white eggs annually.

Why do Crested Ducks have crests?

If you do not want to risk having your ducks shipped check with your local poultry farms for advice on your nearest supplier. The crest on the Crested ducks head is caused by a genetic mutation which causes a genetic deformation of the skull. This breed of duck has been depicted in Dutch portraits that date back to the 17th century.

Are there different colors of Crested Ducks?

The Black variety of the Crested duck was admitted into the Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association in 1977. There are quite a few other colors of the crested duck such as the Grey, Blue and Buff which, along with the Black and the White varieties are accepted in the United Kingdom.

What kind of duck has a large crest?

In some species, the crest is so significant and prominent that it can be a diagnostic field mark, such as the large, colorful crest of the male wood duck or the bold, half-circle crest of the male hooded merganser.

What is the difference between a surf scoter and Eider?

Larger than a Surf Scoter, smaller than a Common Eider. Adult males are pale on the head and neck and mostly black on the body, with a large orange plate above the red bill.