The mandarin duck is a perching duck species native to the East Palearctic. It is sexually dimorphic; the males are elaborately coloured, while the females have more subdued colours. It is a medium-sized duck, at 41–49 cm (16–19 in) long with a 65–75 cm (26–30 in) wingspan. It is closely related to the North American wood duck, the only other member of the genus Aix. 'Aix' is an Ancient Greek word which was used by Aristotle to refer to an unknown diving bird, and 'galericulata' is the Latin for a wig, derived from galerum, a cap or bonnet. Outside of its native range, the mandarin duck has a large introduced population in the British Isles and Western Europe, with additional smaller introductions in North America.
Region
East Palearctic
Typical Environment
Native to East Asia, with core populations in China, the Russian Far East, Korea, and Japan. Prefers wooded lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and ponds with abundant overhanging trees for cover and nesting. Nests are in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, often some distance from the water. In winter it gathers on unfrozen rivers and sheltered wetlands and occasionally uses rice fields. Established introduced populations occur in the British Isles, Western Europe, and locally in North America.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Mandarin ducks are famous for the drake’s ornate ‘sail’ feathers and striking face crescents, while females are subtly mottled for camouflage. They nest in tree cavities, and ducklings leap to the ground soon after hatching to follow the hen to water. In East Asian culture they symbolize fidelity because pairs are often seen together. They are closely related to the North American wood duck.
Drake in full eclipse plumage
A mother with ducklings in Beijing, China
Male flying in Dublin, Ireland
A Yuan dynasty porcelain teapot representing a mandarin duck pair
Porcelain winepot in the form of a mandarin duck, decorated in overglaze enamels, Qing dynasty, circa 1760
Temperament
wary but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; agile, strong flier
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs in the breeding season and small flocks in winter. Nests in tree cavities; the female incubates while the male often remains nearby. Ducklings leap from the nest cavity shortly after hatching and are led to water by the hen.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males give soft, fluty whistles and thin, wheezy notes, often during display. Females produce quiet clucks and low quacks. Wingbeats can create a distinctive whistling in fast flight through trees.
Plumage
Male highly ornate with bold facial crescents, iridescent mantle, and raised orange 'sail' tertials; female grey-brown with fine spotting and a clear white eye-ring and stripe. Both have compact perching-duck proportions and glossy, neat plumage.
Diet
Feeds on acorns, seeds, grains, aquatic plants, and a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and small crustaceans. Dabbles and upends in shallow water and will glean mast under oak stands in autumn. In agricultural areas it may forage in rice fields and along pond margins. Juveniles take more invertebrates early on, shifting to more plant material with age.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds along the edges of wooded ponds and slow rivers with ample cover. Also forages on the forest floor near water when acorns or seeds are abundant. Frequently uses overhanging branches and shoreline vegetation for security while feeding.
