Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

The harlequin is the only duck adapted to living in whitewater, and is among the most expert of divers.

Distribution

The harlequin duck breeds in northwest North America, in parts of northern Quebec, Labrador, and the High Arctic. A year-round population is present on islands in the Bering Strait. Winter migrants can be seen on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, and in parts of the High Arctic.

Breeding occurs in fresh water rivers. For a complete species account, visit the Great Lakes section.