Harlequin Duck

Harlequin ducks on the Salmo River

The harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is yellow listed (not at risk) in British Columbia. These ducks are also known as "sea mice" and "squeakers" because of their mouse-like call.

Map

Biodiversity Interactive Map - No Map Layer

Range

In North America the Pacific population breeds from western Alaska, south to Oregon, and the Atlantic population breeds from Greenland, through central and eastern Quebec to northern Newfoundland.

Occurs throughout B.C. from rocky coastal shores east to Rocky Mountain rivers. This species can be found in fast-flowing rivers and streams throughout the Columbia Basin.

Habitat

Winter habitat consists of rocky coastal shores or reefs.  Breeds inland along fast-moving rivers and mountain streams on rocky islands or banks.

Reproduction

• Nests on the ground and is well concealed by vegetation.
• Nests close to river shoreline and often on midstream islands.
•  Female incubates 5-10 eggs for 27-32 days.
• Young leave the nest 1-2 days after hatching. The hen leads the brood to quieter waters with abundant insects for the young to feed on.

Listing and Date

Threats to Species

• Disturbance (both motorized and non-motorized back country recreation)

Select Reports

• Salmo River Harlequin Duck Inventory, Monitoring and Brood Habitat Assessment
• Pre-incubation Inventory of Harlequin Ducks in the Salmo River Valley

For more information on this species, visit The BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer and enter “harlequin duck” in the Species Name field.