Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) - Birds Around Me 0274

The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is one of the most striking and colorful sea ducks of the northern hemisphere. Small and compact, measuring about 40–47 cm in length, it is instantly recognizable by its bold plumage and lively behavior in turbulent waters.  

Female Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Iceland, July 2025

Adult males are particularly spectacular. Their plumage is a dramatic mix of slate blue, chestnut, and white, with bold spots and stripes that resemble the costume of a harlequin clown—hence the name. Females, by contrast, are more subdued, with brown plumage and three pale facial spots that help distinguish them from other sea ducks.  

Harlequin Ducks breed in fast‑flowing rivers and streams across northern North America, Greenland, and Iceland, as well as parts of eastern Russia. Nests are usually hidden among rocks or vegetation close to water. After breeding, they migrate to winter along rocky coastlines of the North Pacific and North Atlantic, where they are often seen riding waves and diving for food.  

Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. Adapted to rough waters, they are agile divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater while foraging among rocks and seaweed.  

Culturally, the Harlequin Duck has long fascinated birdwatchers and naturalists. Its vivid plumage and preference for stormy seas have made it a symbol of resilience and beauty in harsh environments. In North America, it is considered a prized species for birding enthusiasts, often drawing visitors to coastal regions where it winters.  

Though listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, Harlequin Ducks face threats from habitat loss, oil spills, and disturbance in breeding rivers. Conservation efforts focus on protecting clean waterways and coastal habitats to ensure the survival of this charismatic species.  

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Female Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Iceland, July 2025

Female Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Iceland, July 2025