Aix galericulata
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.
Length
41cm to 49cm
Wingspan
65cm to 75cm
Weight
400g to 750g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,500 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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:
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