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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.
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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

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Austria Belgium Netherlands North Korea Russia
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Taiwan
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Belarus Hong Kong India Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Thailand Vietnam

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Mandarin Duck exhibits remarkable agility, particularly in flight. Their ability to navigate through wooded areas and perch on tree branches demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability. This agility is crucial for their habitat preferences and nesting habits in tree cavities.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not exceptionally strong compared to larger waterfowl, Mandarin Ducks possess adequate strength for their size. Their ability to fly swiftly and perform courtship displays suggests moderate muscular capability. However, they are not known for feats requiring great strength.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Mandarin Ducks show high adaptability, thriving in both their native East Asian habitats and introduced environments like the UK. Their varied diet and ability to utilise both aquatic and terrestrial food sources further demonstrate their adaptable nature. Their success in urban parks and gardens also indicates strong adaptive skills.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally, Mandarin Ducks are not particularly aggressive. They are described as shy and wary, quickly taking flight when disturbed rather than confronting threats. However, males may display some aggression during the breeding season, primarily through courtship displays rather than direct conflict.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Mandarin Ducks demonstrate good endurance, particularly evident in their migratory behaviour in some populations. Their ability to fly between wooded areas and water bodies, as well as their capacity to forage both in water and on land, suggests respectable stamina. However, they are not known for exceptionally long-distance flights compared to some other migratory species.

Diet

Mandarin Ducks have a varied diet, including aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small fish. They often forage by dabbling in shallow water or on land and are known to eat acorns and other tree nuts in wooded areas.

Their ability to perch allows them to access food sources unavailable to other duck species.Β These dabbling ducks do not dive but will upend to feed on aquatic plants growing under the water.

Behaviour

Mandarin Ducks are known for their agile flight through wooded areas, often perching on tree branches. They are generally shy and wary, quickly taking flight when disturbed.

During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, including head-bobbing and wing-lifting.

Vocalisation

Mandarin Ducks are relatively quiet compared to other ducks. Males produce a distinct, low-pitched whistle-like 'uib-uib' during courtship and when alarmed.

Females make a soft, low quacking sound, often heard when communicating with ducklings. Both sexes may emit a short, sharp whistle in flight.

Nesting & Breeding

Mandarin Ducks form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in spring. Males court females with elaborate displays, including shaking their crests and calling.

Nests are usually located in tree cavities, sometimes up to 30 feet high. Females lay 9-12 cream-coloured eggs in a down-lined nest. Nests in artificial nest boxes are also common, especially in introduced populations.

Incubation lasts about 30 days, carried out solely by the female. Ducklings leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, jumping from great heights to the ground or water below, guided by their mother's calls.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Mandarin Duck is not globally threatened, its native populations in East Asia have declined due to habitat loss and hunting.

In contrast, introduced populations in Europe, particularly in the UK, have thrived, creating a unique conservation scenario.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

65,000 - 66,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Mandarin Ducks in wooded ponds and streams
  • Listen for their characteristic whistle-like call
  • Observe early morning or late evening when they're most active
  • In the UK, check ornamental ponds in parks and gardens
  • Use binoculars to spot their distinctive plumage in dense vegetation

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Chinese Duck

Family:

Anatidae

Average Lifespan

6 to 9 years

Predators

Main predators include large birds of prey, foxes, raccoon dogs, and in some areas, mink.

Did You Know?

  1. Mandarin Ducks can perch and nest in trees, unlike most other duck species.
  2. They are considered symbols of fidelity and love in Chinese culture.
  3. The male's elaborate plumage is shed after the breeding season, resembling the female's duller colouration.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Aix galericulata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22680107A131911544.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2006: Wetlands International

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