Common Eider look-alikes
Somateria mollissima
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Common Eider. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
King Eider
Somateria spectabilis
Key differences
Male King Eiders have a prominent orange frontal shield on the bill, a blue-grey crown, and a more complex head pattern with black and white markings. Female King Eiders are generally darker and more rufous-brown than Common Eiders, with a more rounded head profile and a less pronounced slope from bill to forehead.
Spectacled Eider
Somateria fischeri
Key differences
Male Spectacled Eiders are distinguished by large, white 'spectacles' around their eyes. Females are similar to Common Eiders but have a more distinct pale patch around the eye and a different bill shape.
Steller's Eider
Polysticta stelleri
Key differences
Steller's Eider is significantly smaller than the Common Eider. Males have a white head with a green patch behind the eye and a black collar. Females are also smaller and have a different plumage pattern, lacking the strong barring of Common Eider females.
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