King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
~ 1828
About this artwork
An ornithological plate depicting a male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) in profile, standing on what appears to be a rocky or icy shore. The detailed illustration showcases the bird's distinctive plumage and bill, typical of 19th-century natural history publications.
Did you know?
The King Eider is a large sea duck known for its distinctive bulbous orange bill with black edges and its striking plumage, especially in males during breeding season, as depicted here. These Arctic birds are adapted to extremely cold environments, often diving to considerable depths to forage for mollusks and crustaceans. Their dense down feathers have historically been harvested for insulation, famously used in eiderdowns.
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King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
Wihelm Wright, ~ 1828
