Bird Description

Scarce high-Arctic breeder that winters on rocky coasts or jetties in beach areas. Usually found with its commoner cousin and quite easily overlooked. Imms seen most often in s. part of range. ID: Shorter and more compact than COEI. Head and bill shape especially key: shorter, thicker neck, rounded crown, and noticeably shorter bill that looks deep-based. King's warmer colors often stand out first. In females bill always black. Overall warmer brown appearance with prominent pale area around eye and pale line behind. Much discussed chevrons on flanks have limited ID value. Paler in summer. 1st-year males darker with pale breast and orange bill. Eclipse males similar but pale areas replaced by brown and has more developed bill. Adult male's head is stunning. The most prominent 'sails' (scapulars that protrude from back) of all the eiders.