What is "harlequin duck"

Harlequin \Har"le*quin\ (h[aum]r"l[-e]*k[i^]n or -kw[i^]n), n. [F. arlequin, formerly written also harlequin (cf. It, arlecchino), prob. fr. OF. hierlekin, hellequin, goblin, elf, which is prob. of German or Dutch origin; cf. D. hel hell. Cf. Hell, Kin.] A buffoon, dressed in party-colored clothes, who plays tricks, often without speaking, to divert the bystanders or an audience; a merry-andrew; originally, a droll rogue of Italian comedy.
--Percy Smith.

As dumb harlequin is exhibited in our theaters.
--Johnson.

Harlequin bat (Zo["o]l.), an Indian bat ( Scotophilus ornatus), curiously variegated with white spots.

Harlequin beetle (Zo["o]l.), a very large South American beetle ( Acrocinus longimanus) having very long legs and antenn[ae]. The elytra are curiously marked with red, black, and gray.

Harlequin cabbage bug. (Zo["o]l.) See Calicoback.

Harlequin caterpillar. (Zo["o]l.), the larva of an American bombycid moth ( Euch[ae]tes egle) which is covered with black, white, yellow, and orange tufts of hair.

Harlequin duck (Zo["o]l.), a North American duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus). The male is dark ash, curiously streaked with white.

Harlequin moth. (Zo["o]l.) See Magpie Moth.

Harlequin opal. See Opal.

Harlequin snake (Zo["o]l.), See harlequin snake in the vocabulary.

n. A North American wild duck, ''Histrionicus histrionicus''.

The harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck. It takes its name from Harlequin (French Arlequin, Italian Arlecchino), a colourfully dressed character in Commedia dell'arte. The species name comes from the Latin word "histrio", "actor". In North America it is also known as lords and ladies. Other names include painted duck, totem pole duck, rock duck, glacier duck, mountain duck, white-eyed diver, squeaker and blue streak.