Mandarin duck

Aix galericulata -Richmond Park, London, England -mother and ducklings-8

Aix galericulata -Bushy Park, Terenure, Dublin, Ireland -male-8 (1)

Porcelaine Yuan

Kinesisk kanna från 1760 cirka i form av anka med handtag som lotusblomma - Hallwylska museet - 95447

Aix galericulata male portrait

Aix galericulata (wild living in Warsaw)

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species native to East Asia. It is medium-sized, approximately 41–49 cm long with a 65–75 cm wingspan. The male Mandarin Duck is renowned for its striking and elaborate plumage, featuring a unique combination of colors and patterns, making it one of the most visually distinctive ducks. The female, in contrast, has a more subdued coloration, primarily grey and brown, which aids in camouflage. This species is closely related to the North American Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), sharing similar habitats and behaviors.

Description

The male Mandarin Duck has a distinctive look, with a red bill, large white crescent above the eye, and a reddish face and "whiskers". The breast is purple with two vertical white bars, and the flanks ruddy, with two orange "sails" at the back. The female is less striking, with a white eye-ring and stripe running back from the eye, and a pale belly. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, and plants, though they will also eat small animals and insects.

Habitat and Distribution

Mandarin Ducks are found in East Asia, preferring dense, shrubby forested edges of rivers and lakes. They are native to countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. Due to habitat loss and hunting, their populations in their native range have declined. However, they have been introduced to other regions, including parts of Europe and North America, where they live in similar habitats.

Behavior

Mandarin Ducks are known for their strong pair bonds. The male performs elaborate courtship displays, which include vocalizations and behaviors like mock-drinking and shaking. They are cavity nesters, meaning they nest in holes in trees or artificial nest boxes. The female lays between 9 and 12 eggs, which she incubates alone for about 30 days.

Conservation

The Mandarin Duck is listed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although its populations are decreasing. The main threats to the species include habitat destruction and degradation, hunting, and pollution. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and restoration, as well as monitoring populations to prevent further decline.

Cultural Significance

In East Asian culture, the Mandarin Duck is a symbol of love and fidelity, as they are believed to form lifelong pair bonds. They are frequently featured in Chinese and Japanese art and literature, representing good fortune and marital happiness.