Histrionicus histrionicus
During late spring and early summer, colorful male Harlequin Ducks can be observed in the roughest mountain waters, either gingerly floating on the surface or standing atop an exposed stream boulder. These scenes are short-lived, however, because in June or early July the males leave the nesting females and travel to the Pacific Coast to molt on marine waters. A conflict between river rafters and the Harlequin Duck has arisen in some parks. The concern lies with the repeated disturbance to breeding 'Harlies' caused by rafts, which may affect the nesting success of this threatened species. The Harlequin Duck gets its name from the male's striking plumage-a 'harlequin' is an actor who is colorfully made-up or who wears a mask. |
I.D.: General: small, rounded duck; round head; short bill; raises and lowers tail while swimming. Male: gray-blue body; chestnut sides; white spots and stripes on the head, neck and flanks. Female: dusky brown overall; light underparts; 2-3 light patches on the head. Size: L 14-19 in. (36-48 cm). Range: regular, but local, breeder in the northern Rockies; rare in Colorado and Idaho; more common in Montana, British Columbia and Alberta. Habitat: shallow, fast-flowing mountain streams from the montane to the lower alpine; prefers undisturbed rivers. Nesting: under bushes and shrubs or among rocks near streams; shallow nest is lined with grass, plant materials and down; female incubates and rears the young alone. Feeding: dabbles and dives up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) for aquatic invertebrates, mainly caddisfly and stonefly larvae; searches river bottoms, probing rock crevices for invertebrates and fish eggs. Voice: generally silent outside the breeding season. Male: during courtship, utters squeaky whistles and a descending trill. Female: during courtship, utters a harsh ek ek ek or a low, croaking call. Similar Species: Bufflehead: female is smaller, lacks the white between the eye and the bill and is never found on swift-flowing water. Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoter : females are very similar to a female Harlequin. Other diving ducks: females have longer necks and their bodies are not as rounded. |
