Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
The Harlequin Duck is a sea duck of Arctic waters.
Above is the attractive slate-blue and red, harlequin-patterned drake with his Mohican hairdo.
The female Harlequin, like most female ducks, is plainer and better-camouflaged. She has a white ear-spot and pale cheeks.
Its range includes coasts of Iceland, Greenland, Canada, northern USA, eastern Siberia and northern Japan.
It inhabits rocky coasts in winter and rivers and fast streams in the southern part of its range in summer.
It is also called Squeaker because of its mouse-like call. Its scientific name of "Histrionicus"
is from the Latin for actor.
So photogenic! - Nature's artwork.
