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Artwork by Aga

Somateria fischeri

[edit] Identification

52‑56 cm. Male breeding plumage - black chest, white back, and pale green head with a long, sloping forehead and white spectacle‑like patches around the eyes. During the late summer and autumn, males are entirely mottled brown. Females and juveniles are mottled brown year‑round with pale brown eye patches.

[edit] Distribution

Alaska and Russia.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

For most of the year they are at sea, but for breeding they visit wet coastal tundra.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes molluscs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and vegetation.

They establish nests near shallow ponds or lakes. They build a lined nest, and 5–9 eggs are laid.

[edit] External Links