Pacific Common Eider
The Pacific Common Eider (somateria mollissima v-nigra) is the most distinct subspecies, morphologically and genetically, of the 4 subspecies recognized in North America. It breeds primarily along the coastal fringe of Alaska, western Canada and far eastern Russia, and winters at sea in ice-free waters of eastern Russia, southwestern Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and Kodiak Island. The North American population of this subspecies is estimated to be 170,000, but long-term trends for this subspecies are largely unknown.
The Pacific Eider drake has a distinct black V on the chin unlike the other common eider races. The shape and color of the bill and lobes of the bill also differ from the other races. They are also the largest of the 4 subspecies and also the largest duck in North America.
Hunting Pacific Common Eiders in Alaska
Hunting Pacific Common Eiders is done by very few due to limited access to their fall and winter ranges. They may be the difficult of all sea ducks to harvest in Alaska. We have located huntable numbers of these exceptional ducks for those seeking our largest duck in North America. We offer great hunts for these eiders in addition to Harlequin, Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Long tailed ducks (aka Oldsquaw), Black Brant, Ptarmigan, and other duck species. Join us for an unforgettable Alaska duck hunt and be one of the few that get to hunt these amazing ducks.
Alaska law restricts non-residents to a seasonal limit of 4 Pacific Eiders. Join us for a sea duck hunt over decoys in Alaska; contact us for more info on our hunts.