Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck with a colorful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head, and a black-bordered white collar distinguishes the head from the breast. The body is mostly a lighter slate blue color with chestnut sides. Adult female Harlequin Ducks are less colorful. They breed in cold and fast moving streams, and they nest in a well-concealed location on the ground near a stream. Their smoothly packed feathers trap ample air which insulate their bodies from cold water.
The Harlequin Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-26” (56-66 cm) and total weight of 1-1.7 lb (.45-.76 kg). The body of the Harlequin Duck has an overall length between 14”-20” (36-51 cm), body width of 3.1”-4.3” (8-11 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-12.6” (22-32 cm). The typical lifespan of the Harlequin Duck is between 12-20 years.
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck with a colorful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head, and a black-bordered white collar distinguishes the head from the breast. The body is mostly a lighter slate blue color with chestnut sides. Adult female Harlequin Ducks are less colorful. They breed in cold and fast moving streams, and they nest in a well-concealed location on the ground near a stream. Their smoothly packed feathers trap ample air which insulate their bodies from cold water.
The Harlequin Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-26” (56-66 cm) and total weight of 1-1.7 lb (.45-.76 kg). The body of the Harlequin Duck has an overall length between 14”-20” (36-51 cm), body width of 3.1”-4.3” (8-11 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-12.6” (22-32 cm). The typical lifespan of the Harlequin Duck is between 12-20 years.