Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B8, B94, B97, B129
D8).

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Seaducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Diving Ducks (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Seaducks are generally winter-hardy and sociable. They are preferably kept on a large area of clean, cold, deep water, at least some of which (preferably half the area) should be more than 60cm and preferably more than1m deep. As with other diving ducks, most species are relatively ungainly on land and ponds should have shallow sloping banks. Some cover along the pond edges will generally be appreciated. Preferred nesting sites vary greatly within this group, from open ground nesting to thick vegetation and tree holes.
• Diets of grain, pellets fish and seafood may be used, also bread. These ducks generally need a higher-protein diet than most waterfowl species and high-protein pelleted diets specifically designed for seaducks are now available, although supplementation with fish may still be important particularly for breeding.
• Feeding in troughs containing stones may avoid the development of overgrown bills. Provision of salt water may decrease the incidence of fungal and other infections.
• Ducklings may be given high-protein starter crumbs and live food, and provided with access to deep water for swimming from an early age.

(B7, B29, B40, B94, B129, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Harlequin ducks have not been commonly kept or bred, but they have become more numerous in collections in recent years. It is important to provide these ducks with clear, running water, which should preferably be 1m deep or greater for at least half of the water area.
• Scanty and closer vegetation cover near water should be provided for nesting, also ground-level boxes. Eggs may be laid end of April to June
• Ducklings may be difficult to get feeding initially.

(B8, B29, B94, B97, B129, D1)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: L 11.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- Similar to female, but retains distinct white markings on head and some of white on sides of breast, and on wings (B6, B25)

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Usually remain with female until fledged and taken down-river to sea by female, but may be abandoned earlier (B2, B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

From Lake Baikal in Siberia eastward across northern and eastern Asia, to Aleutian Islands, Alaska, south through Yukon to Colorado; also eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland.

Winters on seacoasts within breeding range, and on the Great Lakes. (B1, B19).

In winter reaches British Isles, occasionally west and central Europe, eastern China, Japan, southern California, Gulf coast of USA west to Texas, Florida. (B1, B19)

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened: common, widespread and locally abundant (B1). However, severe declines in numbers breeding in eastern Canada and north-eastern USA (B8).

Captive Populations

Trade