Harlequin Duck
Histrionicus histrionicus
Also known as: Harlequin
Habitat
Aquatic
Diet
Invertebrate
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
562 g
About This Species
Look for this striking sea duck along fast-flowing rocky coastlines and turbulent mountain streams, where it dives and dabbles among the surf and rapids for invertebrates. Breeding males show a bold slate-blue, chestnut, and white pattern that stands out against dark water, while females and young birds are drab brown with pale face patches. Late winter through spring, when pairs gather at river mouths before heading upstream to breed, offers the best chance of a close view from a shoreline or bridge.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Watch from a respectful distance with binoculars rather than approaching the water's edge, since sudden movement can flush birds from the rapids they rely on for feeding.
- Wildfowl protections apply across much of this species' range in North America and parts of Asia, though specific rules and seasons vary by country and state or province, so check local regulations before visiting a known site.
- Staying on trails and avoiding wading into breeding streams helps protect both the birds and the fast-water habitat they depend on.
Seasonal Activity
401,051 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Traits
- Diet
- Invertebrate
- Foraging
- Aquatic
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 562 g
Photo
(c) brian stahls, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by brian stahls
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.