Widely recognised as one of the most beautiful birds, the mandarin brings a splash of colour to our waters. Originating in Asia, they’re now found in the UK thanks to escapees from private collections.
Male mandarin duck
Mandarin duck facts
Scientific name: Aix galericulata
Family: Anatidae
Diet: Plants, seeds, snails, insects and small fish
Mandarin ducks are more than just a pretty face; these striking birds are part of the perching duck group. This means they prefer water-side woodlands, where they nest high in trees. With their long claws, they’re adept at perching on branches.
Despite their bold colours, mandarins are rather shy, often sheltering under tree cover when they feel threatened. In their native countries, they are revered as symbols of fidelity and love. However, like many duck species, they only pair up for the breeding season.
Male mandarins are dramatically different to females, but both sexes are spectacles on the water.
Mandarin ducks, originally native to East Asia, were once abundant across China, Japan and Korea. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, their numbers have declined in these regions. In the UK, however, they’ve found a new home, establishing a stable, though non-native, population.
Introduced to the wild after escaping from captivity in the early 20th century, mandarin ducks have thrived in Britain’s woodlands and water bodies. While they are considered non-invasive and pose no threat to native species, they remain a rare and special sight.
The UK is now home to around 4,400 breeding pairs, with up to 14,000 additional birds migrating here during the winter.
What do mandarin ducks look like?
Male and female mandarin ducks
These exquisite and gaudy ducks are unmistakable. Males are particularly ornate, sporting a striking red and white face, a small red bill, and an array of colours. Their most distinctive features are the bright orange plumes, or ‘sails,’ that rise from their backs, coupled with a purple chest adorned with two bold white stripes.
Females, while less flamboyant, have their own subtle beauty. Their plumage is smart and understated, with shades of grey and brown that allow them to blend into their surroundings. Outside of the breeding season, males have more modest plumage like the female to avoid attracting predators.
Both sexes are shorter and smaller than most dabbling ducks.
What do mandarin ducklings look like?
Mandarin ducklings don’t look dissimilar to mallard ducklings. With fluffy yellow plumage, you might struggle to tell them apart. However, the stripe stops at the eye of mandarin ducklings, whereas it runs all the way to the bill on mallard ducklings.
In their native range, mandarin ducks are found across China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. In the UK, they made their escape into the wild from private waterfowl collections in the early 20th century, quickly establishing themselves in various parts of the country.
Today, these beautiful ducks are mostly found in the southeast of England, though smaller populations can be spotted in Wales and Scotland.
These shy birds are particularly fond of secluded woodlands and small, quiet water bodies, such as ponds and gentle canals. Unlike other ducks, they tend to avoid large lakes and reservoirs, preferring the tranquillity of more sheltered environments.
Other species to look out for
Last Edited: 19 September 2024
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