Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Mandarin Duck
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Aix galericulata
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Voice
Call
teesdalebirder
How to recognize it
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Male: compact duck with vivid multicolour plumage and a crest
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White crescent above eye, reddish face, purple breast with white bars
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Two orange “sail” feathers raised at the rear
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Female: plain grey-brown, paler below, thin white eye-ring and stripe
About the species
The Mandarin Duck is one of those waterfowl that people notice at once, mainly because the male looks so elaborate and the female is much quieter in tone. Even so, both keep a neat, compact shape that stands out on the water.
It is a shy duck and prefers cover rather than open water. It swims well, takes off with a quick, agile burst, and unlike many ducks it may be seen resting on branches or even on riverside rocks.
It favors wooded riverbanks and lake edges with overhanging trees and nesting holes. It feeds on seeds of aquatic plants, mollusks, worms, and fish eggs, and in the northern part of its range it moves south for winter, spending the cold season in China and Japan.
Where to find
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Along quiet pond and canal edges — especially under overhanging willows and reeds, where Mandarin Duck stays in cover and comes out to feed at dawn.
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In mature parks with large hollow trees — if a bright pair is around, check the canopy and low branches rather than the water.
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By stone embankments and bridges over still water — it may perch on ledges and make short flights between trees and the bank.
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In autumn on grassy patches near water and overgrown lawns — look for it foraging on seeds and acorns in short, careful steps.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Aix galericulata Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Mandarin duck Encyclopedia article