Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Harlequin Ducks are sea ducks that breed along fast streams and spend winter on rocky coasts. In the U.S., their winter range includes Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northeast. Breeding males are slate blue with white stripes and chestnut sides, while females are brown with small white facial marks.

Appearance

Appearance: Breeding males are slate blue with bold white stripes and chestnut sides. Females are brown with small white marks on the face and a short bill.

Look-alikes

Surf ScoterMelanitta perspicillata

A female Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) also has two pale face patches, but its bill is much larger and slopes down from the forehead. A female Harlequin Duck has a short, small bill.

Why they get mixed upBoth can be dark sea ducks with pale facial marks.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: fast rivers and streams
rocky ocean shores
Range: They breed along swift streams in Alaska and parts of the western U.S. In winter they gather on rocky Pacific and northeastern Atlantic coasts.
Seasonal presence: A breeding bird in parts of the West and a coastal winter visitor.

Behavior

Diet: At sea they eat shellfish and ; on breeding streams they take aquatic insects and fish eggs.
Activity: They dive in fast water and rough surf.

Life cycle

Nest: The female nests by a river, sometimes on the ground, on a ledge, or in a tree hole.
Clutch size: 4–8 eggs
Incubation: 27–29 days

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Status: Oil spills and damage to breeding streams can threaten local populations.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The English name refers to the male’s vivid costume-like pattern.

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