Mandarin Duck

Aix Galericulata

Scientific Name

Mandarin Duck:  
Aix Galericulata

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Mandarin Ducks are found in eastern Russia, China and Japan.

Natural Habitat

Mandarin Ducks live in forests habitats with accessible ponds and streams.

Physical Characteristics

  • The adult male Mandarin Duck is a striking and unmistakable bird. He has a red bill, large white crescent above the eye and a reddish face and whiskers. His breast is purple with two vertical white bars, the flanks ruddy, with two orange sails at the back. The female has a white eye-ring and stripe running back from the eye, similar to the female Wood Duck, but is paler below, with a small white flank stripe and a pale tip to her bill. The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the American Wood Duck. It is 41-49 cm long with a 65-76 cm wing span. Their weight range is 1-2 pounds. Like all ducks, their feet are thin and flat, making it easier for them to paddle through the water. They can live 3 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Quick Facts

  1. Mandarin Ducks are considered one of the most beautiful, decorative ducks in the world.

  2. Mandarin Ducks are a symbol of marital fidelity in Asian art, due to their habit of having monogamous mating pairs.

  3. Mandarin Ducks perch and nest in trees, not common for ducks.

Exhibit

Kookaburra Korner

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Mandarin Duck is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore

Mandarin Ducks feed by dabbling or walking on land. They eat seeds, acorns, grains, aquatic plants, insects, fish, worms, frogs and crabs.