Harlequin Duck

Overview

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a species of Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae) in the order Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese and Swans). A small sea duck with spectacular blue-gray, black and white patterns like a harlequin costume; breeds on fast mountain streams and winters on rocky coasts; a favorite of birdwatchers.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Histrionicus; binomial: Histrionicus histrionicus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 38-45cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: to wc, ec North Pacific and wc North Atlantic coasts.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.