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. | |