Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck, breeding male (left) and female (right); Ninilichik, AK

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A bird of fast-moving water, the Harlequin Duck breeds on fast-flowing streams and winters along rocky coastlines in the crashing surf.

Description

Medium-sized diving duck. White patch in front of eyes. Round white ear spot. Male dark slate-blue with reddish brown sides and odd white patches and spots. Female dusky brown with two or three round white spots on head.

• Size: 33-54 cm (13-21 in)
• Wingspan: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
• Weight: 500-726 g (17.65-25.63 ounces)

Sex Differences

Male boldly marked, female mostly dark brown with some white spots on head.

Sound

Call is distinctive mouselike squeak. Female makes coarse "ek-ek-ek."

Conservation Status

Wintering populations in eastern North America are currently much smaller than historical (late 1800s) numbers, but populations grew in last part of 20th century. Listed as "Endangered" in Canada and "Threatened" in Maine. A "species of special concern" in western states.

Other Names

Arlequin plongeur, Canard arlequin, Canne de roche (French)

Cool Facts

• More than half of eastern North American population of Harlequin Ducks winters in coastal Maine, particularly outer reaches of Penobscot and Jericho bays.

• When engaged in behavioral interactions, the Harlequin Duck gives distinctly unducklike squeaks, the source of one of its local names: sea mouse.

Sources used to construct this page:

Robertson, G. J., and R. I. Goudie. 1999. Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). In The Birds of North America, No. 466 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.