Aix galericulata
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Mass
~570 g
Habitat
Forests
Diet
Aquatic plants
How to recognize it
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.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
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.
