ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Herlequin Duck

 Harlequin Duck

harlequin ducks (females - left; males - right)
Photo by Jim McCormac
Diving ducks frequent large, deep lakes and rivers, as well as coastal bays and inlets. When launching into flight, most of this group patter along the water before becoming airborne. They feed by diving, often to considerable depths. Since their wings are smaller in proportion to the size and weight of their bodies, they have a more rapid wingbeat than puddle ducks.

One of our rarer ducks - only a few are found each year. Not only that, but they are striking in appearance and interesting in behavior. However, most harlequins seen in Ohio are females or subadults, not the spectacular adult males. This is now one of the rarest ducks in northeastern Canada and the population is only about 1,500 birds.


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Harlequin Duck
Histrionicus histrionicus

At-a-Glance

• Type: Diving duck

• Incubation: 28-30 days

• Clutch Size: 4-7 eggs

• Young Fledge: 60-70 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: freshwater invertebrates, snails, crabs, mussels, and fish
Description
The male harlequin is a dark blue-gray with distinctive white patches on the head and body and chestnut colored flanks. The female is all brown, but also has white patches on the head.

Habitat and Habits
The harlequin is very much a bird of surf; they prefer rough water of river rapids and turbulent zones around breakwalls and jetties. Although unlikely to be heard here, among other sounds the males produce a whistle said to be suggestive of a spotted sandpiper.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Harlequins nest along inland streams. The nest is a mass of down, usually concealed in crevices of rocks. After hatching, the chicks are taken to slower moving waters and in September they go to the sea with the mother.