INTRODUCTION 



The harlequin duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) is a unique 

 coastal seabird that migrates inland to streams and rivers to 

 breed and raise its young. The distribution, biology, and 

 habitat requirements of these rare ducks in Montana are not well 

 comprehended and until recently have not been closely examined. 

 Because of this lack of understanding and because of threats to 

 its probable habitat, the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 

 Region One lists the harlequin duck as a Sensitive Species (Reel, 

 Schassberger and Ruediger 1988) . 



An understanding of the distribution and habitat needs of 

 local populations of harlequin ducks is important for effective 

 and proactive management of this sensitive species. To gain more 

 information about harlequin ducks in northwestern and west- 

 central Montana, the Kootenai National Forest contracted with the 

 Montana Natural Heritage Program through the Challenge Cost-Share 

 Program to conduct harlequin surveys during the seasons of 1988, 

 1989, and 1990. 



Objectives of the ongoing harlequin duck project are to 

 collect information to better define the distribution and 

 population numbers of harlequin ducks in Montana; to identify and 

 describe occupied nesting, brood rearing and migratory habitats; 

 and to eventually develop a habitat suitability model. Our major 

 goal of the 1990 field season was to continue harlequin surveys 

 on streams in northwest and west-central Montana. Additionally, 



