This small, boldly-patterned duck can be found in Oregon throughout the year, either around rocky headlands on the coast or inland on mountain streams.

No other breeding duck in Oregon feeds almost exclusively on benthic invertebrates, often swimming underwater and upstream against swift current in search of prey.

Though males are striking in appearance, these and the drab brown females can be difficult to see when at rest on a mid-stream rock or dodging behind rocks as they evade observers.

Broods have been observed or nests located on tributaries in the river basins of the west Cascades. They are found at the Oregon coast throughout the year. Larger concentrations of wintering birds are usually seen in Lane, Lincoln and Coos counties.

The harlequin duck is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in both the Coast Range and West Cascades ecoregions.

Hear the call of the harlequin duck

Photo by ©Keith Kohl, ODFW