Mandarin Duck
Image: dima-2308 (cc-by-nc)
NameMandarin Duck
Common NameMandarin Duck
Scientific NameAix galericulata
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsMales are spectacularly colored with a red bill, a large white crescent above the eye, a rufous face, and a green-bronze crest. Their breast is purple with white bars, and they feature two prominent orange 'sails' on their back. Females are duller, with a grey head, a distinctive white eye-ring and stripe extending back from the eye, and a mottled grey-brown body with a small white flank stripe.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce a high-pitched 'wheep' or 'creak' sound, while females emit a soft, low 'quack' or 'cluck'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to East Asia, including parts of Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. Feral populations, originating from escaped captive birds, are established in various parts of Europe and North America.
Identifying FeaturesMale's elaborate and colorful plumage (orange 'sails', white crescent, green crest), Female's distinctive white eye-ring and stripe, Red bill on male, pale bill on female, Often perches in trees
Description
The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized, perching duck native to East Asia, renowned for the male's strikingly ornate and colorful plumage. These ducks are often found in dense, wooded areas near freshwater, where they forage for a variety of plant and animal matter.
