Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Harlequin Duck
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Histrionicus histrionicus
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How to recognize it
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Small sea duck, dark overall
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Male: chestnut sides, white crescent in front of eye, white collar
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Female: dark brownish-grey with three white head spots
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On water rides high, tail often raised
About the species
The harlequin duck is small, dark, and easy to remember once you’ve seen the mix of white patches and rusty side tones. On the water it sits high, with a lifted tail, which gives it a neat, compact look.
It is usually noticed more by movement and voice than by a long look. It dives for food, and in the breeding season the male gives a loud two-part call; in flocks they keep in touch with a soft duck-like chatter.
It lives around cold streams, rocky shorelines, and mountain water, especially in the north. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, and molluscs, and in most of its range it moves to the sea for winter.
Where to find
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Along fast rivers with stony banks — watch the white water and the low, diving passes in the rapids.
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In winter on rocky seafronts and breakwaters — often close to boulders where waves crash into foam.
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Near river bridges and old stone piers — easiest to spot when it skims low over the water and lands on exposed rocks.
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At icy shorelines and open leads — look for short, quiet calls from a small flock lingering by the edge.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Histrionicus histrionicus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Harlequin duck Encyclopedia article