Harlequin Duck male |
General Description: Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) are sexually dimorphic sea ducks. Both genders generally are black with white marks. The head is round, the forehead is steep, and the bill is short. Males are marked with white spots and bars, and rusty red on the sides. Females are dark overall, with a bit of dark rusty red on the sides, and distinctive spots on the side of the head. In both cases, they are best described with pictures.
Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anatinae
Favored Habitat: Coastal areas from rocky shorelines to quiet bays during winter, and swift rivers and streams during the breeding season. |
Harlequin Duck females |
Where to Find: Don't look for Harlequin Ducks around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them off both northern coasts of North America. During the breeding season, look for Harlequins in the northern Rocky Mountains from Wyoming and Idaho north to Alaska or in northeastern Canada.
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