The Welsh Harlequin is a breed of domestic duck originating in Wales. In 1949, in Criccieth, Group Captain Leslie Bonnet discovered a color mutation among his flock Khaki Campbells, and began breeding selectively for it. By 1968, hatching eggs were exported to the United States, and live birds in 1981.
Today, the Welsh Harlequin is a light-weight duck breed known for its vivid plumage and egg laying ability. Welsh Harlequins are 5 to 6 pounds (2 to 3 kilos) females have a greenish black bill, and their plumage is a creamy white color with brown stippling, with brown wings edged with white. Drakes are similar to a faded Mallard with a yellow bill. Welsh Harlequins are good layers (like their forebears), produce a lean carcass, and are good foragers. They may be more vulnerable to predators such as birds of prey because of their light coloration.
The Welsh Harlequin was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 2001. The breed is considered to be critically endangered in North America by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, with only 188 breeding birds found in a 2000 census.
The Welsh Harlequin is one of the national animals of Wales.