Hello, everyone! Today, I have a little topic to share with you. It’s about the Harlequin duck, which reminds us of the beautiful sky at dawn.
The Harlequin duck has a body length of 38 to 46 cm. During the breeding season, the male Harlequin duck wears a plumage of dark blue or blue-black, accented with reddish-brown. On the other hand, the female is somewhat subdued overall, but the white patterning on her face is very striking. The area around the female’s belly is light, and towards the rump, chestnut-colored feathers can be observed. They give off a somewhat peaceful impression!
The Harlequin duck chooses pristine streams during the breeding season and rocky coasts during the non-breeding season for its habitat. They are omnivorous, diving to eat insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Nesting occurs in meadows or crevices in rocks, and sometimes in tree hollows, where they lay 4 to 8 eggs. They follow a lively path of growth until they become adults in two years. In spring, you can hear their charming courting sound, “kyuk-kyuk-kyuk,” coming from the streams.
The English name “Harlequin Duck” comes from the word Harlequin, meaning “clown,” due to their flashy appearance. However, the Japanese name has been used since the late Edo period, deriving from words that mean dawn or early morning, reflecting their beautiful appearance.
The Harlequin duck is designated as a regional population at risk of extinction. Knowing about their existence can add a little color to our daily lives and remind us of the importance of nature conservation. Have a wonderful day today! See you again.
