Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck drake. Photo Credit: Keith Kohl

Overview

  • Species Common Name Harlequin Duck
  • Species Scientific Name Histrionicus histrionicus
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Harlequin Ducks typically breed along moderately-sized mountain streams with boulder substrate. They select well-concealed nest sites along stream banks or on islands. Harlequin Ducks forage on benthic macroinvertebrates in fast-flowing, clear water with rocky bottom. This species molts and winters in nearshore areas along the coast.

Limiting factors

Harlequin Ducks have narrow breeding habitat requirements, high breeding site fidelity, low reproductive rates, and delayed reproduction. Wintering coastal birds are vulnerable to human disturbance as well as pollution and oil exposure from oil spills.

Conservation actions

Minimize disturbance in breeding areas.

Key reference or plan

Final Report on 2012 and 2013 ISSSP Harlequin Duck Monitoring in the Oregon Cascades, Willamette, and Mt. Hood National Forests and Salem and Eugene Bureau of Land Management Districts