About the Harlequin Duck
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Harlequin Duck is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
declining
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Hydroelectric dam construction
- Climate change
Photo Gallery
2 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
Western North America
Continent: North America
Country: United States, Canada
Region: Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains
Eastern Asia
Continent: Asia
Country: China, Japan, Russia
Region: Mountainous regions of eastern Asia
Distribution Overview
The Harlequin Duck is found in fast-flowing rivers and streams in North America and eastern Asia, breeding in areas with rocky substrates and strong currents.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 35 - 40 cm
- Weight
- 560 - 900 g
- Lifespan
- up to 10-15 years years
- Diet
- Carnivorous, eating a variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks
Habitat
Fast-flowing riversStreamsMountainous regions
Behavior
- Solitary animal, only coming together to breed
- Territorial, defending its territory against other Harlequin Ducks
- Carnivorous, eating a variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks
- Migrates between breeding and wintering grounds