144 GAME BIRDS, WILD-FOWL AND SHORE BIRDS. 



HARLEQUIN DUCK {Histnonidl^Mstrionicus) . 

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



Female. 



Male. 



Length. — 15 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 plmnage 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 ba(;k dark grajash 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, but 

 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 (EUiot). 



Season. — Bare winter visitant. 



