Aix galericulata
Sightings of wild Mandarin Ducks in the United States cause quite a stir, and it’s easy to see why. These small but eye-catching waterfowl are, in fact, native to the Far East of Asia, although their popularity as an ornamental species has resulted in their introduction to many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.
Mandarin Ducks rank easily as one of the world’s most distinctive and extravagant bird species. They show strong sexual dimorphism, and as is common among waterfowl, the male is the fairer sex. These are small, upright ducks with shortish necks and bills. They have orange legs with webbed feet and clawed toes.
Males in breeding plumage are covered in an eclectic mix of colors, ranging from pastel peach to metallic violet. Each area of their body seemingly displays a different shade, and the boundaries between each are clearly defined. They have unusual upturned feathers on either side of their lower backs that resemble orange shark fins.
The feathers on the head and neck are dense, creating the appearance of an outsized head, and pointed rufous plumage extends from their cheeks like a bushy red beard. They also have long crown feathers that run down the nape like slicked-back hair and can be raised to form a colorful backward-facing crest.
Female Mandarin Ducks are much more understated - they do not need the burden of showy plumage to attract a partner. They are most likely to be confused with the female Wood Duck. Identifying features include an all-brown back and a pure white belly. Their flanks are brown with large white spots, and they have a hint of red at the base of their bill. Their head is brown, with a white chin, and they have a thin white ring around each eye that runs back toward the nape.
Young ducklings start life with a covering of downy brown and golden feathers. Older juveniles look a lot like adult females, although they are less clearly spotted and duller overall.
Mandarin Duck Male
Mandarin Duck Female
Mandarin Ducks are small waterfowl, about half the weight of a Mallard. Females are smaller than males.
Adults typically measure between 16 and 19 inches long or 41 to 49 centimeters.
They weigh 15 to 24 ½ ounces or 0.43 to 0.69 kilograms.
These birds have a 26.7 to 29.1 inch (68 - 74 cm) wingspan.
Mandarin Ducks Female (left) and Male (right) resting by the edge of a pond
Mandarin ducks are relatively quiet waterfowl, although males produce a weak, cricket-like whistled note during courtship. Females make sharper ‘ack’ and ‘ket’ notes.
Mandarin Duck whistling during courtship
Mandarin Ducks are omnivores that feed on land and in the water. They eat everything from seeds and acorns to frogs and small fish. These dabbling ducks do not dive but will upend to feed on aquatic plants growing under the water.
Mandarin Ducklings are precocial and feed themselves with small insects caught on the ground.
Mandarin Ducks Male (left) and Female (right) feeding by the water
Mandarin Ducks prefer quiet freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and rivers with plenty of vegetation in and around the water.
Native to the Far East in Russia, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Mandarin Ducks are popular ornamental birds all over the world, and established feral populations occur in both North America and Western Europe.
Mandarin Ducks are ‘all-terrain’ waterfowl that spend their time on the water, on land, or even perched in trees. These birds are partial migrants in their native range, where they have no problem covering hundreds of miles or more in flight.
Wild Mandarin Ducks are a rare sighting in North America, although escaped birds do show up from time to time. A few small feral populations in various states offer the most reliable chance of spotting these spectacular waterfowl out in the wild.
With a wild population of over 14,000 Mandarin Ducks, birdwatchers in the United Kingdom have a much better chance of spotting these beautiful birds.
Female Mandarin Duck walking through grasslands
Zoos and private bird collections are the easiest places to find Mandarin Ducks in most parts of the United States. However, there are small free-flying populations in California and North Carolina.
Apart from the odd sighting in British Columbia and Quebec, Mandarin Ducks are rare birds in Canada. However, they are popular ornamental waterfowl, so escaped individuals could turn up just about anywhere.
Mandarin Ducks are fairly common and widespread in the United Kingdom, particularly from central to south and eastern England. There are also isolated populations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Mandarin Duck standing on the ice during the winter
Mandarin ducks can live for about ten years. Captive birds usually have a longer lifespan if given good care.
Mandarin Ducks are vulnerable to predators at each stage of their lifecycle. Mammals like mink and otters, and birds of prey like Goshawks and large owl species are their major enemies.
Mandarin Ducks are non-native species in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are not included in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US but are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK. These birds are a second-class protected species in China and are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act in Taiwan.
Mandarin Ducks are not endangered, although their native wild population is thought to be in decline. The species has a ‘Least Concern’ status on the IUCN Red List.
Family of Mandarin Ducks resting on the river bank
Mandarin Ducks are cavity nesters that use natural holes, woodpecker nests, or artificial nest boxes near water. They nest high above the ground, usually up to about 33 feet (10m). The poor ducklings must jump out of the nest, but they parachute down fairly gently, thanks to their downy feathers.
Mandarin Ducks nest in the spring and summer, producing a single brood each year. They lay their eggs in April in the United Kingdom but may begin as late as July in their native China. The eggs hatch after roughly four weeks, and the young birds fledge about six weeks later.
Mandarin ducks lay glossy, cream-colored eggs that measure 48 to 56 millimeters long and 36 to 38 millimeters wide. They lay a large, single brood that ranges from seven to more than twenty eggs.
Mandarin Ducks form monogamous pair bonds in the winter, and the couple remains together until after the female has laid her eggs. Their close bond has inspired their reputation as a symbol of affection in various Asian cultures.
Pair of Mandarin Ducks standing together in a shallow river
Despite their eye-catching plumage, Mandarin Ducks are shy birds. However, they can stand up for themselves against larger duck species.
Mandarin Ducks are most active in the low light of dusk and dawn. They rest on the ground or on branches and are one of the few ducks that perch in trees, aided by their clawed feet and agile flight.
Mandarin Duck resting on top of a fallen tree trunk
Mandarin Ducks migrate in their native range, moving between Russia and northeastern China in the summer and southeastern China in the winter. They do not usually migrate within North America or Europe.
Mandarin Ducks are not native to the United States of America. Feral populations of these ornamental waterfowl originated from escaped captive birds, but fortunately, they do not seem to be affecting the native nesting Wood Ducks.
Mandarin Ducks are not native to the United Kingdom. The local population has been established since the 1900s and has its roots in escaped or released birds brought over from its native range in the Far East.
Mandarin Duck in-flight during the breeding season
Many ducks and geese hybridize freely with similar species, although the Mandarin Duck is an exception. Even though the two often occur together, this species does not cross-breed with the common Mallard.
The Mandarin Duck ranks high among the world’s most spectacular waterfowl. Males in breeding plumage are prized for their beauty, but these birds are also a traditional symbol of fidelity and devotion.
Scientific name:
Aix galericulata
Family:
Ducks, geese and swansConservation status:
Introduced
Length:
41cm to 49cm
Wingspan:
68cm to 74cm
Weight:
430g to 690g
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