The spelling of the word "king eider" is straightforward, as it is pronounced exactly how it is written. The word begins with the voiced velar stop /g/, followed by the low central vowel /ɪ/ and the nasal consonant /ŋ/. The second part of the word consists of the diphthong /aɪ/ and the voiceless alveolar stop /d/. Finally, the word concludes with the rhotic vowel /ɚ/. In phonetic transcription, "king eider" is written as /kɪŋ ˈaɪdər/.
King eider is a term used to describe a species of bird called Somateria spectabilis, belonging to the family Anatidae. It is a large diving duck primarily found in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the arctic and subarctic regions. With a distinct appearance, the king eider is known for its remarkable beauty and striking plumage.
The male king eider is characterized by a striking combination of colors, comprising a predominantly black body with contrasting white patches on its sides and back. It possesses a distinctive green nape and crown, as well as a vivid orange-yellow bill that stands out against the bird's snowy appearance. In contrast, the female king eider has a more subdued appearance, with a brown overall plumage, a smaller size, and lacking the vibrant colors of its male counterpart.
Being a diving duck, the king eider is well-adapted for foraging underwater. It has specially adapted webbed feet and a streamlined body that enable it to swim and dive efficiently, allowing it to submerge and search for its preferred prey, including mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. King eiders are known to gather in large flocks during their winter migration, and during this time, can be found in coastal areas, bays, estuaries, and open waters.
Due to its stunning appearance and unique ecological role, the king eider holds considerable value in birdwatching and ornithological studies. It is also subject to conservation efforts, as its arctic breeding habitat is vulnerable to climate change and other environmental threats.
The word "king eider" is derived from two separate sources.
The term "eider" refers to a large sea duck species known as the eider duck, scientifically known as Somateria spectabilis. The word "eider" is derived from the Old Norse word "æðr", which means "eider duck". The Old Norse term itself is believed to come from the Proto-Germanic word "*aidiz", which refers to a type of waterbird.
As for the word "king" in "king eider", it is used to distinguish the species from other types of eider ducks. The name "king" likely comes from its large size and impressive appearance, suggesting the bird's regal nature among other eider species.