144 GAME BIRDS. WILD-FOWL AND SHORE BIRDS. 



HARLEQUIN DUCK {H istrionicus hislr ionic us) . 

 Common or local names: Lord and Lady; Sea Mouse; Squealer. 



Ff:male. 



Male. 



Length. — \o to 17.50 inches. 



Adult Male in Winter. — General color leaden blue, changing to blackish 

 at edges of white markings, blue black on lower back and bluish gray 

 on belly; peculiar crescent-shaped patch in front of eye, extending from 

 chin up to crown and alongside it, round spot near ear, narrow stripe 

 from back of this down upper neck, narrow collar around lower part of 

 neck, broad bar across side of breast to shoulder, other markings on 

 wing and shoulders and a round spot on either side at base of tail white; 

 lower and front neck, throat and bar on side of breast, center of fore- 

 head, crown and hind neck black or blackish; flanks and a stripe ex- 

 tending back above eye reddish brown; bill dusky or slate; feet slate, 

 with dusky webs and pale claws; iris brown or reddish. 



Immature Males. — Vary for two or three years between this plinnage and 

 that of the young, which is similar to that of adult female. 



Adult Male in Summer. — Resembles female in plumage, except that non- 

 breeding males retain their winter dress. 



Adult Female. — Head, neck and back dark grayish brown; a white spot 

 back of ear; sides of head marked with dull white mainly before or 

 below the eye; flanks grayish brown; bill dusky; feet slate; iris brown. 



Field Marks. — The male is unmistakable. Female smaller and duller, ]>iit 

 resembling male in shape of head and short, slightly upturned bill. 



Notes. — A confusion of low gabbling and chattering notes (Nelson). A 

 peculiar whistle, generally by male in efforts to secure a mate (Elliot). 



Season. — Rare winter visitant. 



