# Harlequin Duck (*Histrionicus histrionicus*) The Harlequin Duck is a colorful bird that loves to swim in fast-moving rivers and coastal waters. With its bright patterns, it looks like a little swimming rainbow! - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas, rivers - **Also known as:** Rainbow Duck ![Harlequin Duck](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Histrionicus_histrionicus_drake_Barnegat.jpg&width=800) Photo: Peter Massas, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Histrionicus_histrionicus_drake_Barnegat.jpg) ## Appearance The Harlequin Duck has striking plumage, with males displaying slate-blue bodies, chestnut flanks, and crisp white patches and crescents on their face and body. Females are duller brown with three distinct white spots on their head, making them look visually different from most other ducks. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Anseriformes - **Family:** Anatidae - **Genus:** Histrionicus ## Interesting facts - Harlequin ducklings can dive and feed themselves just a few days after hatching! - Harlequins can dive deeper than 30 feet to find their favorite underwater snacks! - These ducks don't quack; instead, they make funny squeaks and whistles! - They will return to the exact same breeding spots on rivers year after year! ## Special abilities - **Rapid River Navigator:** Harlequin Ducks can dive and swim against powerful river currents because their streamlined body helps them move with ease. - **Turbulent Water Grip:** The Harlequin Duck has strong feet and claws that help them cling to rocks in crashing waves without being swept away. - **Underwater Vision:** Harlequin Ducks can see clearly underwater because their eyes are adapted to spot prey in murky or fast-moving water. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 38-46 cm - **Wingspan:** 63-70 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-0.75 kg - **Lifespan:** 6-10 years - **Speed:** 70 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-7 - **Incubation:** 27-30 days - **Migration Distance:** 2500 km ## Diet & Feeding These diving ducks love to feast on crunchy insects and tasty shellfish found underwater! - **Age differences:** Young ducklings start with smaller aquatic insects and gradually add larger prey as they grow. - **Primary Foods:** Caddisfly larvae, Stonefly nymphs, Mussels, Barnacles, Crabs, Small fish - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Bald Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bald-eagle) (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) — Juvenile Harlequins can be prey. - **Eaten by:** [North American River Otter](https://www.snappit.app/explore/north-american-river-otter) (*Lontra canadensis*) — Otters may prey on eggs or ducklings. - **Eats:** California Mussel (*Mytilus californianus*) — Harlequin ducks dive for these shellfish. - **Eats:** Western Netspinner Caddisfly (*Hydropsyche occidentalis*) — Ducklings and adults eat their larvae. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Marine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/marine): Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. - [Threatened](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/threatened): Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Harlequin Duck? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Harlequin Duck? 38-46 cm ### What is Harlequin Duck's wingspan? 63-70 cm ### How much does Harlequin Duck weigh? 0.5-0.75 kg ### How long does Harlequin Duck live? 6-10 years ### How fast can Harlequin Duck move? 70 km/h ### What does Harlequin Duck eat? These diving ducks love to feast on crunchy insects and tasty shellfish found underwater! ### Where is Harlequin Duck usually found? Coastal areas, rivers ## Where to spot - [Chicken Ridge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chicken-ridge-historic-district) — US · Historic District - [Great Northern Railway Buildings](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/great-northern-railway-buildings) — Montana, US · Historic Site - [Amalik Bay Archeological District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/amalik-bay-archeological-district) — US · Historic District - [Grand Loop Road](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grand-loop-road) — Wyoming, US · Historic District - [Kelly's Camp Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kellys-camp-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [Lake Fish Hatchery Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lake-fish-hatchery-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District [View all places to see Harlequin Duck](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/harlequin-duck) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Harlequin Duck: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/harlequin-duck)