Harlequin Duck

sea ducks · colorful birds · mountain streams

Named after theater. The harlequin duck got its fun name from a character called Harlequin in old Italian theater who wore bright, patchy costumes. The duck's scientific name also means 'actor' in Latin because of its theatrical looks.

Lives in wild rapids. Unlike most ducks that float peacefully, harlequin ducks are extreme athletes. They live in fast, rocky mountain streams and coastal areas where waves crash hard, diving underwater to find food on the rocky bottom.

Stunningly patterned. Male harlequin ducks look like someone splashed them with navy blue, white, and rust-colored paint in wild patterns. Females are more mottled brown, but they're just as tough.

Tiny and feisty. These ducks are small compared to other sea ducks, but they're fearless swimmers. They've earned nicknames like 'squeaker' for their high-pitched calls and 'rock duck' because they bounce around on boulders like little acrobats.