Harlequin Duck Ross Feldner

The male’s striking, almost theatrical, plumage gives it its common name.  These are the daredevils of the avian world prefering difficult and often dangerous environments such as rocky coasts with rough waters where they can be seen bobbing on the waves. This “lifestyle” choice contributes to their high rate of fractures. They suffer more broken bones than any other species!

They gather on the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest and the Atlantic Northeast. The rough coast of Maine is estimated to be home to more than half of the eastern population.

Frequent divers, they seek out fish, insects and aquatic invertebrates for food. They build their nests close to water, on the ground, among tree roots, or in rock crevices. Nesting females take full advantage of their unflashy coloration to avoid detection.

Harlequins are affected by degradation of water, human development and intense recreational activity. They are particularly vulnerable to oil spills because spilled oil often ends up in their intertidal habitats.

Harlequin Duck
Fun Facts

Males lose most of their striking colors when molting.

Most adults live with multiple healed fractures.

Harlequin Duck make an unducklike squeak which gives them the alternate name of sea mouse.

They are also called Painted duck, Totem pole duck, Glacier duck, White-eyed diver, and Squeaker.

Their official name comes from the Latin work “histrio” meaning actor.

Densely packed feathers trap a lot of air which is vital for insulating such small bodies in chilly waters. It also makes them exceptionally buoyant, making them bounce like corks.

They can dive as deep as 13 feet and stay under the water up to 45 seconds.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill killed an estimated 2,650 Harlequin Ducks.

Click here to watch Harlequin Duck study in Montana!

Click here to watch a pair diving in choppy waters

 

Rachel Carson Council
8600 Irvington Avenue  | Bethesda, Maryland 20817-3604
(301) 214-2400 | office@rachelcarsoncouncil.org

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