Appearance:
Small duck
Short bill
Male: (above)
Gray-blue plumage
Chestnut flanks
White striped on body and head
White at base of bill
Round, white ear patch
Female: (below)
Plain brown-gray plumage
Dark brown head
Two or three white face spots, including ear patch
White belly with brown speckles
Listen to its call.
With the male's multi-coloured plumage, it is pretty clear where the harlequin duck gets its name. Seen at a distance, the male's bill blends in with his dark face giving his head a triangular appearance. I've come across these birds numerous times at Cattle Point, if you want to get a closer look. One interesting thing I've noticed about ducks is that they usually travel in pairs. Anyone know if all ducks mate for life? I've read that geese are monogomous but there seems to be conflicting views about ducks. One person noted they "may appear to pair-bond, but there's lots of fooling-around going on in the bushes".
Small duck
Short bill
Male: (above)
Gray-blue plumage
Chestnut flanks
White striped on body and head
White at base of bill
Round, white ear patch
Female: (below)
Plain brown-gray plumage
Dark brown head
Two or three white face spots, including ear patch
White belly with brown speckles
Listen to its call.
With the male's multi-coloured plumage, it is pretty clear where the harlequin duck gets its name. Seen at a distance, the male's bill blends in with his dark face giving his head a triangular appearance. I've come across these birds numerous times at Cattle Point, if you want to get a closer look. One interesting thing I've noticed about ducks is that they usually travel in pairs. Anyone know if all ducks mate for life? I've read that geese are monogomous but there seems to be conflicting views about ducks. One person noted they "may appear to pair-bond, but there's lots of fooling-around going on in the bushes".
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