Harlequin Duck - Duck Hunting - Wetland Hunting
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Description
Harlequin duck is considered one of the most spectacular species of waterfowl in North America. They are approximately 34-36 cm in length, weigh 490-760 g, and have a 56-66 cm wingspan.
Habitat
The main habitats are mountain streams during the summer season and rocky coastal waters in winters. They nest along shallow, fast-moving streams and rivers, even around waterfalls and rapids.
Diet
The main diet includes insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Diet is primarily mollusks at sea, including periwinkles, mussels, and crustaceans, e.g., crabs. It is common for the harlequin ducks to feed on small marine worms and fish. On rivers, these ducks feed on aquatic insects and small plant material.
They forage by diving, swimming underwater, and walking on the bottom. It is common for these ducks to feed by dabbling at the water surface or up-ending in shallow water. They use the bill to pry food particles/items off rocks.
Nesting
Several males can court one female by surrounding her on water. The male displays include raising their tails, stretching their necks, and making ritualized head-bobbing movements. The first breed is at the age of two years. Pairs form during the winter and spring seasons. The nest site is on the ground, usually close to a water source. The nest site is hidden among rocks or under bushes. The nest (usually built by females) is a shallow depression with twigs, weeds, grasses, and lined with down.
Females lay 5 to 7 pale buff or cream eggs. Female does incubation for 27 to 30 days. When the females leave the nest, they cover the eggs with down. The young leave the best shortly after hatching. Although they are tended by the female, the young feed themselves. It is typical for broods to combine under the care of several adult females. The young make their first flight after 5 to 6 weeks.
