127: Harlequin Ducks: The Stunning Duck Built for Wild Rivers & Ocean Waves 🦆

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we revisit one of our all-time favorite duck episodes featuring the incredible Harlequin Duck—one of the most striking and resilient waterfowl in North America.Known for their bold plumage, fast-flowing mountain stream nesting sites, and rugged coastal winter habitats, Harlequin Ducks are among the most fascinating ducks in birding. These adventurous birds thrive in extreme environments, from icy rivers and waterfalls to crashing ocean waves along rocky shorelines.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Harlequin Duck behavior, migration, habitat, duck identification, and the remarkable adaptations that allow these birds to survive in some of the harshest environments in the natural world.We also discuss why Harlequin Ducks are such a favorite among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and ornithologists, and what makes them one of the most unique and visually stunning ducks in North America.Whether you’re an experienced birder or just discovering birdwatching, this episode is full of fascinating bird facts, wildlife science, conservation, and a deep appreciation for one of nature’s most adventurous ducks.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky