Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata

A flamboyant splash of colour on any pond, this eye-catching waterfowl is one of the most beautiful species of birds on the planet.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Mandarin Duck is renowned for its striking, colourful plumage, particularly in males. Males display a vibrant mix of orange, green, purple, and white, with a distinctive red bill and fan-shaped crest.

Females are much more understated, with mottled brown and grey feathers, a white eye ring, and a thin white stripe behind the eye. Both sexes have orange feet and legs.

Young ducklings start life with a covering of downy brown and golden feathers. Older juveniles look much like adult females, although they are less clearly spotted and duller overall.

Size

Length

41cm to 49cm

Wingspan

65cm to 75cm

Weight

400g to 750g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Orange Green Purple

Secondary Colour

White Blue Red

Beak Colour

Red

Leg Colour

Orange

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour (Female)

White

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Mandarin Duck can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Mandarin Duck can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Mandarin Duck is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Native to East Asia, including Japan, China, and Russia, Mandarin Ducks prefer wooded areas near lakes, ponds, and rivers. They have a particular affinity for areas with overhanging vegetation and quiet, sheltered waters.

Introduced populations have established in the UK and other parts of Europe. In the UK, they are widely distributed in southeast England, with smaller populations elsewhere, often found in urban parks and gardens with suitable water bodies.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mandarin Duck. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons