The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) 



By Lynds Jones 



Length: About 16 inches. 



The Harlequin Duck is the sole representative of the genus to which it be- 

 longs. The generic and the specific names (Histrionicus) , which unfortunately 

 the strict rules of scientific naming require in the case of this bird to be the same, 

 are from the Latin word meaning harlequin. This word, meaning a buffoon, is 

 especially appropriate, for the arrangement of the colors on its head, neck and 

 back give the bird a peculiar appearance, especially during the mating season. 

 At this time, too, the drollery of their actions is very noticeable. 



Harlequin is not the only name by which this bird is known. In the New 

 England States and northward along the Atlantic coast it is frequently called the 

 "Lord and Lady," because of the white crescents and spots of its plumage and 

 the proud bearing of the male., It is also called the Rock Duck, the Mountain 

 Duck and the Squealer. 



Its range covers the northern portion of North America, Europe and Asia. 

 "It is not common wherever found. In many parts of the Old World it is only a 

 rare or occasional visitor; this is the case in Great Britain, France and Germany." 

 In the United States, during the winter, it passes southward into Illinois, Mis- 

 souri and California. It breeds only in the northern part of its range. 



It is a mountain duck and "frequents swiftly running streams, where it de- 

 lights to sport among the eddies below water falls or in the brawling rapids." It 

 is not only an adept in the art of swimming and diving, but it also flies swiftly 

 and to a great height. During the winter it frequents northern sea coasts and 

 exhibits the characteristics of other sea ducks, and is occasionally found far out 

 at sea. It is known that the Harlequin will lead a solitary life, and it is some- 

 times observed in pairs or even alone on streams of remote and unfrequented 

 localities. 



The sexes vary greatly. While the male, which is the sex of the bird of our 

 illustration, is brightly colored, the female is much more somber. The young re- 

 semble the adult female. 



The food of the Harlequin consists almost entirely of the parts of aquatic 

 plants and the smaller crustaceans and moUusks. The food is obtained by diving, 

 frequently through several feet of water. Mr. Chapman tells us that the sea 

 ducks in diving to obtain food, will "sometimes descend one hundred and fifty 

 feet or more." 



Its nest, though usually placed on the ground, is sometimes built in the hollow 

 of a tree or a hollow stump, though always near a body of water. The nest is 

 usually a simple structure made of the stems of water plants, twigs and grass 

 thickly lined with the downy feathers from the breast of the duck. The eggs are 



664 



