Range

Asia is the native home of the mandarin duck. Here they can be found throughout China, Japan, Korea and Russia. Wild birds have also been spotted in India and Hong Kong. Populations migrate throughout the year for winter and for breeding.

Introduced populations of this species exist in the United Kingdom and Germany. As well as in North Carolina and California in the USA.

Habitat

Mandarin ducks make their home near bodies of water such as streams, marshes, swamps, lakes and rivers which are located within forested areas. They may winter in lagoons and estuaries which are salt water.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place beginning in April. Pairs form for several breeding seasons. Males use their colourful plumage along with a display of shaking and mock-drinking.

Following a successful mating the female will lead the male on the hunt for a nest. This will be made in a tree hollow which is lined with down feathers.

In the nest, the female deposits nine to twelve oval shaped eggs. She has the sole responsibility for incubating the eggs for the 28 to 30-day incubation period. Hatchlings are coloured olive on top with yellow on bottom.

Following hatching the female moves to the ground. Here she will call and the chicks will jump out of the hollow to the ground. Once they land on the floor they will walk to a feeding ground.

40 to 45 days after hatching the young mandarin ducks fledge and will move on to a new flock. They breed for the first time at 1 year old.

Behavior

Mandarin ducks gather in flocks.

Predators of the mandarin duck can include, snakes, eagles, otters, racoon dogs, minks and polecats. They do not taste good so are not hunted for food. Logging is the largest threat to their survival.

Quick facts

Due to mandarin ducks forming life-long pairs they are viewed as a symbol of marital fidelity in Asia. Sometimes a pair is given to a couple as wedding gift.

Their scientific name Aix galericulata is derived from the ancient greek words for an unknown diving word and wig.