Presence of a Harlequin Duck Drake During Brood Rearing in Northern Labrador

Female Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) incubate eggs and rear broods, while males normally depart the breeding grounds at the onset of incubation. On 27 July 2000, a male Harlequin Duck was observed in association with a female and brood of five ducklings on the Ikadlivik River in northern Labrador. The male maintained some distance (similar to 100 m) from the female and brood; however, upon appearance of a researcher, the group amalgamated and the male appeared to influence the behavior of the female and brood. Possible explanations for earl), male departure and this exception are discussed.