Harlequin Ducks
Description :
The male harlequin ducks have a basic color of a deep blue, with white stripes and spots on the head, neck, and scapulars. The female harlequin ducks resemble female buffleheads, except for the three white spots on the head. their basic colors are black-brown. The female harlequins are also larger then the male harlequins.
Breeding :
The Harlequin's range is divide into two separate and distinct regions; the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts. The Atlantic population breeds from Baffin island, Greenland and Iceland through central and eastern Quebec. The Harlequin ducks begin to mate in their second year of life. The females nest on the ground, on small cliffs, in tree cavities or on stumps along rocky shores. They lay on an average of 5-6 eegs.
Migrating and Wintering :
Migrating laterally from interior regions, Pacific Harlequins spend the winter in Coastal areas from the Aleutian and Pribilof islands south to central California.
Population :
The Harlequin duck is abundant during the breeding season in a few regions within its range, but only in remote areas inaccessible to most people. The pacific population at 1 million individuals and the Atlantic population at 11,000 breeding pairs.
Food habits :
Harlequin ducks drive to feed on crustaceans and mollusks, insects, small fish and roe found in marine habitats.
Interesting fact of Harlequin ducks :
The Harlequin ducks are divided into two separate and distinct regions. Atlantic coast and the Pacific coast. The two coast breed and migrate the same way just in different areas.