Drake Harlequin Duck
A drake harlequin duck stands atop a rock in the middle of the Yellowstone River. It is quite strange where these birds choose to inhabit - there are usually several pairs observed each year in a section of the river called LeHardy Rapids, and as you can guess, it is a very fast section of river. These birds will jump in the water and are actually strong enough swimmers that they can swim up river against the strong current, foraging for aquatic macro invertebrates. Truly a beautiful bird. Captured in Yellowstone National Park.
The harlequin duck is a small sea duck. It takes its name from Harlequin , a colourfully dressed character in Commedia dell'arte. The species name comes from the Latin word "histrio", "actor". In North America it is also known as lords and ladies. Other names include painted duck, totem pole duck, rock duck, glacier duck, mountain duck, white-eyed diver, squeaker and blue streak.
