The King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) is known for its striking plumage and large size. Males exhibit a vibrant mix of blue, green, orange, and white colors, with a distinctive orange knob above the bill. They inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, nesting on tundra and coastal islands. These sea ducks dive to forage on mollusks and crustaceans.

Somateria spectabilis, commonly known as the King Eider, is primarily found in the circumpolar Arctic. Its native region includes North America, Europe, and Asia, particularly in areas surrounding the Arctic Ocean. During the breeding season, it inhabits the coastal tundra of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. In the winter, it migrates to more temperate coastal waters, including the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The King Eider breeds in Arctic tundra regions, often near freshwater ponds and lakes, where the climate is cold with short summers and long, harsh winters. During the non-breeding season, it occupies coastal marine environments, such as rocky shores and ice edges, favoring areas with open water amidst sea ice.

King Eiders are specialized sea ducks that primarily feed on benthic invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans, which they dive to obtain. Their ecological niche involves foraging in both freshwater and marine environments, with adaptations to cold climates, including dense plumage and a unique feeding strategy that allows them to exploit rich food sources in extreme conditions.