Mandarin duck
Aix galericulata
Mandarin ducks are native to China, Korea and Japan. The British Islands and Central Europe have feral populations of Mandarin ducks. The species thrives in wetlands and parks surrounded by forests. It likes to sit on a tree branch and nest in a tree cavity. Males adopt a female-like plumage in the summer and regain their colourful plumage in the autumn. Mandarin ducks eat seeds, aquatic plants and snails.
Mandarin ducks are migratory birds which overwinter in southeastern China, Taiwan and southern Japan. The nesting areas are located in southeastern China, Japan and the northern parts of the Korean peninsula. The species is classified as viable, although the population trend is decreasing.
Due to the colourful and decorative plumage of males, the Mandarin duck has been a popular park bird since the 1800s.
Borealia house
Endangerment
Habitat
Diet
Lifespan
10 years
Scientific classification
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Did you know?
In Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture, the Mandarin duck is considered a symbol of marital happiness and fidelity.