Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Mandarin Duck
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Aix galericulata
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Voice
Call
How to recognize it
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41–49 cm long
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Adult male in breeding plumage: crest, white crescent above the eye, and two orange feathers projecting from the rear
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Female grey-brown, with a thin white eye-ring and a stripe running back from the eye
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Fast, agile flight; often perches on tree branches
About the species
The male Mandarin Duck has a warm chestnut-and-rust body, a purple breast, and a white crescent above each eye. Two orange feathers rise from his back, while a red bill and pale facial stripes complete the pattern. The female is mottled grey-brown, with a fine white ring around the eye and a narrow stripe trailing behind it.
They are wary, usually sheltering beneath overhanging trees and gathering in small groups. They feed by dabbling or walking on land, and may perch in trees by day; their flight is quick and maneuverable. In spring, females nest in tree cavities, and newly hatched ducklings jump to the ground before following their mother to water.
Across East Asia, they use wooded river and lake edges; introduced populations in Europe also live around lakes, water meadows and parks with nearby trees. They eat acorns and grain in autumn and winter, then insects, snails, fish and aquatic plants in spring. Asian populations migrate to lowland eastern China and southern Japan for winter, while introduced populations are established in Britain and parts of mainland Europe.
Where to find
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In European city parks with an established population, scan the lake edge for Mandarin ducks sheltering beneath overhanging trees.
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Along wooded mountain streams in East Asia, look to branches above the water — they often perch there between swims.
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In wintering areas of East Asia, look for ducks feeding in marshes and flooded fields — they walk on land and pick up food.
