Rev. Julian Tuck. Iceland is said to be the nearest
point to the British Islands where the Harlequin
Duck is to be found; Mr. Shepherd observed it in
considerable numbers in the north-west portion, frequenting
the Laxa and other rapid streams, and making
its nest in the holes of banks ; and Dr. Kruper states
that near Myvatn it always selects holes in the lava
or under stones, the eggs being buried in a whitish
down.
There are no authenticated instances of the occurrence
of this species on any part of the continent of
Europe, but it has been reported as a rare summer
visitor to the neighbourhood of Archangel. The
Harlequin Duck is found in the eastern half of Asiatic
Siberia, and occurs in Northern Japan in winter. In
North America this Duck is said to breed from Newfoundland
to high Arctic regions, and winters south to
the middle Atlantic States and the Ohio Yalley. It has
been observed on both coasts of Greenland. In Newfoundland,
where these birds are known by the name of
“ Lords ” and “ Ladies,” they are said to nest in hollow
trees. Montague Chamberlain says:—“ The favourite
resort of these birds in summer is on the swift currents
of a secluded stream or the surging pool at the base
of a fall. In winter they are found in the bays and
estuaries on the sea-coast. They swim buoyantly and
dive with ease. Their flight is swift and powerful, and
being shy and vigilant they are not easily shot.” I
find it stated by another author that these Ducks,
young and old, tumble over and through rapids and
cascades in an astonishing manner.