Geography/Habitat:
The Harlequin Duck, (Anas histrionicus), first described by Linnaeus in 1758 is likely monotypic (no sub-species). Although some authorities do have one subspecies named pacificus, due to there being two separate populations with one in North America and one in Asia. Recent studies have shown them to be one species.
Harlequins spend their summers in the northern coastal water of Canada and Alaska on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, but typically move inland to breed. In the Lower 48, they breed notably in the Yellowstone Park area. They disperse slightly south to a bit warmer coastal areas on both coasts in the winter. They are rare in the warmer south Atlatic states, Gulf of Mexico, and California waters. Texas has only 3 records ever, (see Interesting Facts!).
The Asian population breeds in North-East China and Russia and winters in the coastal waters further south around Japan and the Chinese/Russian islands of the East. The two populations likely intermingle in winter in the Pribilof Islands.
A small diving duck, the Harlequin Duck is a marine bird often found far out to sea, but breeds in small tundra lakes and coastal areas. It prefers fast moving waters and swift torrents in summer, and rocky coastlines with breaking surf in winter.
Harlequins feed on crustaceans and mollusks but in summer will also take insects and worms typically found by diving, although occasionally dabbles. Very little vegetation matter is eaten.
Breeding occurs in the summer months of May and June and typically five to seven white eggs are laid in a makeshift nest of grass and twigs. Incubation lasts around 28 days, (carried out by the female), and they reach full adulthood at two years. They are monogamous .
Identification
Harlequin ducks are small and active with the male being quite unmistakable. Dark gray with a white head and crown, black cheek, neck and around its eye with a white post ocular spot. The upper chest and side is a precise pattern of gray, black and white stripes with the back and wings being gray and white and the flanks rusty orange. The tail is long and pointed and in flight the wings are black and gray. The female is much duller, being grayish brown and the back and sides with lighter underparts. She has a distinctive white area and the bill and has a defining white path on the head behind the eye.
Harlequin ducks are seldom vocal but do make high pitched squeaking noises and occasionally quack.
Interesting Facts:
·Recorded only 3 times in Texas, there are currently 2 females in Nueces County!!
·Harlequin name comes from its resemblance to a colorfully dressed character from early Italian improvised plays. Its Latin name “histrio” literally means actor.
·Other names include Painted Duck and sea-mouse due to the squeaking noises it makes
·A group of ducks is known as a brace, flush paddling or raft.
