tags: Harlequin Ducks, Histrionicus histrionicus, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[Mystery birds] Harlequin Ducks, Histrionicus histrionicus (mostly males, but there is a female in the foreground), photographed at low tide at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon. [I will identify these birds for you in 48 hours]
Image: Terry Sohl, 8 June 2009 [larger view]
Photo taken with a Canon 50D, 400 5.6L.
Are all the birds in this image the same species?
Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.
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This appears to be a group of mostly male Harlequin sea ducks. Males on the rocks, possibly a female in the water in the foreground. Identifying marks: A combination of the unique white patch/band in front of the eye (following contour of head), the white dot and comma shape around the ear region, and the rusty brown side body coloring.