King Eider

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Fifth in a series of duck images by this photographer.

Male King Eider, Somateria spectabilis.

Image: John Del Rio. [larger view].

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What a handsome bird.

Though his bill seems a little small.

By Chris' Wills (not verified) on 12 Apr 2008 #permalink

Its not the size of the bill, its how you use it.

Stunning photograph!

In my parts of the world (Sweden) there is only S. mollissima of the genus (although spectabilis is spotted occasionally). It's a personal favourite, at this time of year they fill the Stockhom archipelago with the sound of their odd mating calls.

They were so important economically to the local people historically that they had different names depending on both age and gender.

The yellow "shields" are also a part of the bill but the bill is relatively small in this beautiful eider species.

This is my very favorite photo!

Clapping

Chardyspal

By Chardyspal (not verified) on 12 Apr 2008 #permalink

Looks like a hand-puppet in pastels!

By David Harmon (not verified) on 12 Apr 2008 #permalink

My son is a 4th grader at Lynnville-Sully Middle School in Sully Iowa. He would like to take part in a art project here at school, and he needs some reference material. I was wondering if we could use your web site image for that reference. You are suppose to have the photographer permission before using a photo in that manner. He will be using watercolor pencils to draw your image that you have captured. Beautiful picture, what an amazing duck. Thanks for your time and consideration.

By Samantha Collins (not verified) on 07 Jan 2009 #permalink