Harlequin Duck
Histrionicus histrionicus
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 18 countries, weighing about 562 g. The harlequin duck is a small sea duck.
About the Harlequin Duck
The harlequin duck is a small sea duck. It takes its name from Harlequin, a colourfully dressed character in the commedia dell'arte theatre of Italy. The species name comes from the Latin word histrio, meaning "actor". Other names include painted duck, totem pole duck, rock duck, glacier duck, mountain duck, white-eyed diver, squeaker, lords and ladies and blue streak.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adult breeding males have a colorful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye that extends up to the crest, a small round dot behind the eye, and a larger oval spot down the side of the neck. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head, with chestnut patches on either side. A black-bordered white collar separates the head from the breast. The body is largely a lighter slate blue with chestnut sides. A black-bordered white bar divides the breast vertically from the sides.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Harlequin Duck?
- Adult breeding males have a colorful and complex plumage pattern. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Harlequin Duck?
- The Harlequin Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 562 g.
- Where can you see a Harlequin Duck?
- The Harlequin Duck occurs in 18 countries, including the United States, Canada, Iceland, Japan and Russia.
- What birds look similar to a Harlequin Duck?
- The Harlequin Duck is most easily confused with the Barrow's Goldeneye, the Smew and the Chestnut Teal.
- Is the Harlequin Duck endangered?
- The Harlequin Duck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Harlequin Duck for real
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