Harlequin Duck

What: Harlequin Duck

Where: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Barnegat Light, NJ 08006)

When: Winters

How: Photographers- telephoto lens with a fast shutter capable camera.

Rating: Education, Photographers, Wildlife Enthusiasts

Harlequin ducks are small sea ducks also called as a bird of fast moving water. On the New Jersey coastline these birds are usually found wintering (come from inner Atlantic regions and spend winters on coastal areas).

The male Harlequin has very unique features with deep slate blue body color, prominent dramatic white stripes, crescents and spots on the head, neck and scapulars. The sides and flanks are chestnut colored.

The female Harlequin has an overall brown body with white belly having brown spots or check streaks.

Harlequin ducks dive to feed on insects, small fish and roe (the mass of eggs, or spawn, within the ovarian membrane of the female fish) found in riverine and marine habitats.

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