Harlequin
The Harlequin (Histrionicus histrionicus), is a small, boldly marked sea duck. They are considered one of the most beautifully plumed of all North American waterfowl. Their breeding habitat of the Pacific or western population is cold fast moving streams in north-western North America, Greenland and western Russia. Harlequin winter range includes the Pribilof Islands, Aleutian Islands, and Alaska Peninsula through south central Alaska down to Coastal Oregon. The Atlantic population is much smaller and protected from hunting and is also considered a distinct population.
Like other sea ducks they feed by diving for benthic invertebrates typically close to rocky shorelines. Insects, crustaceans, mollusk and others make up the majority of their diet. Harlequins are very vocal and use a variety of squeaks and peeps. Females first breed when they are at least two years old. Harlequin ducks use clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams during the breeding season, where females will typically lay 5 -7 eggs.
Hunting Harlequins in Alaska
We are lucky to have a healthy local population of Harlequin in addition to the many migrants that stage and winter in the area. This results in having opportunities to hunt Harlequin in October and the hunting just gets better as more migrants show up. Alaska is the winter home to a great number of Harlequins, especially the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Harlequin decoy very well and typically congregate near rocky shores. We use a combination of custom cork and foam hand painted decoys for close shots. Many hunters come to Alaska specifically targeting trophy harlequin and other sea ducks. We have had great success in getting hunters multiple opportunities to get their trophies. Last year we had 100% success on drake Harlequins for all hunters who pursued them.
Four Flyways Outfitters will work hard to get you good opportunities to decoy Harlequin and other species including: Oldsquaw (aka Long-tailed Duck), Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Brant and more. Alaska law restricts non-residents to a seasonal limit of 4 Harlequin. Join us for a Harlequin hunt over decoys in Alaska; contact us for more info on our hunts.