09 May, 2011

Harlequin Duck

Scientific Name: Histrionicus histrionicus

Population Estimate: 190-380K, Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Breeds in cold fast moving streams in northwestern and northeastern North America, Greenland, Iceland and western Russia. Winters are spent in rocky shorelines near breeding grounds. Rare migrant to northern Europe.

Field Notes: Medium-sized diving duck. White patch in front of eyes and round white ear spot in both sexes which make it unmistakable in range. Male as above.

Personal Notes: Seen at Anacortes in Washington but not photographed. Later seen on Vancouver Island, where these ducks were plentiful and beautiful. Most recently seen in the Lake Myvatn area of Iceland. As psychiatrists we love the scientific name....

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