Photo ©2007 Rovdyr
Click for a larger image
Photo ©2007 Rovdyr
Click for a larger image
Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata
Family - Anatidae
The Mandarin duck is a very distinctive small duck that is native to East Asia, they have established significant feral populations in the UK and parts of Europe. Sexually dimorphic they are notable for the males ♂ incredibly vibrant, ornate and intricate plumage with orange modified feathers or "sails" on its back and reddish-brown whisker-like cheek feathers. They display a dazzling orange, purple, green, and gold colouration, whilst the females ♀ are more subtly coloured in brown and grey with a white eye-stripe and a pale tip to its bill.
They are known as a quiet and shy species often found in wooded secluded wetland areas near lakes, ponds, or rivers. They nest in tree cavities, often high above the ground. They are an omnivorous species feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, snails, insects, and small fish, often feeding at dawn or dusk. They are 41–49cm (16-19in) long with a 65–75cm (26–30 in) wingspan, weight of 500–700g (1-1.5lb), and live to about 6 years in the wild and up to 10+ years in captivity. It is closely related to the North American wood duck which is slightly larger than the Mandarin.
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