﻿172 ANATID.E. 



The present species is so much an inhabitant of the 

 sea, that it even remains near it during the breeding- 

 season. 



The distribution of the colours in the plumage of this duck 

 has obtained for it the appellation of Harlequin, although the 

 bird must be brought in close contact in order to make its 

 beautiful plumage deserve the name ; for its appearance at a 

 small distance even, is only that of a dark object. 



Like the foregoing species, it dives admirably well, and in 

 the act of swimming it nods its head at every stroke. 



Flying is only resorted to during its migratory journeys, or 

 when forced by circumstances ; it is performed apparently 

 with great exertion and with quick beatings of its short 

 wings. 



The Harlequin Duck is a shy bird, but sociable among its 

 own species, and consequently rarely seen singly, frequently 

 in pairs, but more commonly in flocks. 



Its oft-repeated and incessant call-note sounds like eck y 

 eclc, eck! 



The food of the present species is shell-fish, both bivalve 

 and univalve, small fry, frogs and their spawn, and also vege- 

 table matter, for which it dives continually ; and equally well 

 in still water as in currents and rapids, or during windy 

 weather when the waves run high. 



In the month of May the Harlequin Duck frequents the 

 vicinity of the polar circle, where it is seen paired, frequent- 

 ing mouths of rivers, inlets, projecting rocks in the sea. and 

 the stones about rapids ; the pair are very partial to each 

 other, and remain constantly together. 



The nest is generally placed near the edge of the water, 

 under shelter of dwarf-birch, willow, or juniper-trees; its 

 construction consists of dry grasses, stalks, and leaves. 



The eggs are from five to seven in number, in shape, size, 



