Harlequin duck
Scientific name: Histrionicus histrionicus
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Males are striking with slate-blue plumage, chestnut flanks, and bold white facial patches and body markings; females are dusky brown with white ear and cheek patches. Both sexes are compact, stocky ducks with relatively small heads.
Size and weight
Males: 380–450 g, 38–43 cm; females: 340–380 g, 36–41 cm.
Habitat
Harlequin ducks inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams and rocky coastal waters. They prefer turbulent rapids, rocky outcrops, and areas with strong currents from sea level to alpine elevations.
Distribution
Harlequin ducks breed in mountain streams across northern North America and Asia; North American populations winter primarily on rocky Pacific and Atlantic coasts, with smaller populations in inland river systems.
Diet
Harlequin ducks feed primarily on aquatic insect larvae (mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies) and small crustaceans obtained by diving in fast water; diet shifts toward marine amphipods and isopods in coastal winter habitat.
Behaviour
These are highly active, agile divers that spend most daylight hours feeding in turbulent water; they are social and often gather in small flocks, particularly during migration and winter, and are relatively vocal with distinctive whistling calls.
Hunting tips
Look for them in whitewater sections of mountain streams or turbulent coastal zones near rocky reefs and headlands; approach quietly from downstream or upwind, using terrain and vegetation for cover. Glass fast water thoroughly before moving—birds often remain in the same stretch for hours, diving and bobbing in rapids where they are vulnerable to sudden appearance.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.