Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
Both the English name for this beauty are perfect. The dictionary.com definition for the adjective Harlequin is in varied colors; variegated." They also have a nickname "sea mice" that comes from their squeeking like vocalizations that they use when in groups. It was this sound that I heard that first let me know to look much closer than I was while scoping the shoreline far away. I heard an odd squeeking and looked at this tree that had drifted ashore, and there were several Harlequin Ducks posing nicely. The males are beaurifully colored with steely blue, chestnut and whgite markings. The females are incredibly non-descript and their small size, small bills and facial markings most helpful in identification.
These ducks breed in rushing mountain streams where they can swim underwater to catch insect larvae. In winter they tend to congregate near rocky shorelines and feed on various small prey. They seem to like tidal and rocky areas in winter too.
Male Harlequin Duck
Female Harlequin Duck
Until next time. Good birding and good day!