Facts about Harlequin Duck

1. 06

   Harlequin duck populations in eastern North America have declined by approximately 90 percent since the 1970s due to oil spills and coastal habitat degradation.

   Harlequin DuckMay 14shareconservationpopulationgeography
2. 05

   Colorful plumage in harlequin ducks takes approximately two years to fully develop, with juveniles displaying mottled brown feathers before acquiring the distinctive slate-blue and rust markings of adults.

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3. 04

   Fewer than 1,000 pairs of harlequin ducks breed in North America today, making them one of the continent's rarest dabbling ducks.

   Harlequin DuckMay 14sharepopulationconservationgeography
4. 03

   Harlequin ducks breed in fast-moving mountain streams and rivers across Alaska, Iceland, and parts of Russia, with females typically laying clutches of 5 to 8 eggs.

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5. 02

   During winter months, harlequin ducks dive to depths exceeding 60 feet to forage on rocky seafloor substrates in turbulent coastal waters.

   Harlequin DuckMay 14sharebehaviorhabitatmeasurement
6. 01

   Male harlequin ducks produce up to four different vocalizations during courtship displays, each lasting approximately 0.5 to 2 seconds.

   Harlequin DuckMay 14sharebehaviorbiologymeasurement