Histrionicus
histrionicus
(Harlequin Duck)
Physical
Description:
14 1/2-21" (37-53 cm).
Intricate pattern of white, gray, black, and cinnamon. Head has a black stripe
from bill to back of neck; two white stripes on either side of black stripe
descending to base of bill with a splash; third stripe is cinnamon above a dark
gray cheek; cheek has white ear patch and a white vertical stripe on side of
neck; gray bill. Gray breast has two vertical white stripes edged with black.
Back and wings are gray. Cinnamon flanks. Females are a mixture
of gray and brown with white ear patches.
Similar Species- Female Bufflehead
Song:
A
toy bugle-like awa-awaa.
Distribution:
Breeds
from Alaska and western Canada, south to eastern Oregon, east-central California,
Idaho, and Wyoming; also breeds in eastern Canada. Winters from Aleutian and
Pribilof islands, south to central California; also winters from Maritime Provinces
south to Maryland.
Habitat:
Winters in rough, coastal waters, especially
along rocky shores. In Idaho, breeds on forested mountain streams of relatively
low gradient free of human disturbance.
Diet:
Feeds primarily on crustaceans,
mollusks, insects, and a few small fishes (98% of diet consists of animal food).
Ecology:
In Idaho, hens nest in cliff cavities,
tree cavities, and on ground. Breeding pairs show strong fidelity to breeding
streams year after year. Preliminary study data indicate some Idaho birds migrate
to San Juan Islands, WA, in winter. Birds migrate to Idaho from Pacific Coast
in April and females return to coast in August or September with males returning
earlier. Entire Idaho population is less than 100 birds on about 30 streams
in northern Idaho.
Conservation:
Element Code: | ABNJB15010 |
Status: | Game species |
Global Rank: | G4 |
State Rank: | S1 |
National Rank: | N4B,N4N |
Important
State References:
Cassirer, E.F., C.R. Groves, and R.L.
Wallen. 1991. Distribution and population status of Harlequin Ducks in Idaho.
Wilson Bull. 103:723-725.