Harlequin Duck
Histrionicus histrionicus
- Family
- Ducks, Swans, and Geese (Anatidae)
- Order
- Anseriformes
Overview
The harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck. It takes its name from Harlequin (Italian Arlecchino, French Arlequin), a colourfully dressed character in the commedia dell'arte theatre of Italy. The species name comes from the Latin word histrio, meaning "actor". Other names include painted duck, totem pole duck, rock duck, glacier duck, mountain duck, white-eyed diver, squeaker, lords and ladies and blue streak.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Breeds eastern Siberia and northern Japan, Alaska southward to Oregon and Wyoming, eastern Canada (southeastern Baffin Island southward to the Gulf of St. Lawrence), Greenland and Iceland; winters coastally from Siberia to Japan and Korea, from Alaska to central California, to the northeastern USA, southern Greenland, and Iceland.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Harlequin duck
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
