The timing of pair formation varies within and among species of ducks.
In this study we documented the chronology of pair formation in a pop
ulation of wintering Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) in so
uthwestern British Columbia. Harlequin Ducks began forming pair bonds
in October and over half of the females were paired by December. This
timing is much earlier than other ducks of similar size. A segment of
this population was individually marked, and we documented the reunion
of mates in subsequent years. In all cases where both members of the
pair returned to their wintering grounds they reunited in the fall. Ne
w pair bonds, involving young males and females, were formed in the sp
ring. We suggest that pair reunion in this species reduces the costs o
f courtship and pair bond maintenance and arrows males to pair early i
n the nonbreeding season, compared to other species.