Mandarin Duck Breed Profile and Characteristics

November 15, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) is a small bird of a family of forest ducks, this animal is a species of perched duck native to East Asia. It is medium in size, 41 to 49 centimeters (16 to 19 inches) long with a wingspan of 65 to 75 centimeters (26 to 30 inches). It is closely related to the North American wood duck, the only other member of the genus Aix.

The Chinese refer to Mandarin ducks as Yuan-yang, they are often prominent in oriental art and are regarded as symbols of affection and marital fidelity. Since, after mating, they remain in a couple for the rest of their lives.

A Chinese proverb for couples uses the Mandarin duck as a metaphor: “Two Mandarin ducks playing in the water”. The reason for this metaphor is that, unlike other species of ducks, the male Mandarin duck stays with the partner it has mated with until the eggs hatch and even helps in caring for the ducklings. Even when both parents take care of the safety of the little ones, most of them cannot reach adulthood.

Mandarin Duck Profile

The common duck (Aix galericulata), is a medium-sized duck, closely related to the common duck, this duck is 41 to 49 centimeters long and has a wingspan of 65 to 75 centimeters.

The adult male is a striking and unmistakable bird, it has a red beak, white stripes over the eyes, a reddish face, and “whiskers”. The chest is purple with two vertical stripes, and the flanks are pink with two orange stripes running down the back. The female is similar to the female of the common duck, with a white ring around the eye and draw on the back of the eye, whitish at the bottom, with a small white band on the side and whitish also at the tip of the bill.

In the wild, mandarin ducks are found in densely wooded locations near lakes, wetlands, and ponds. They nest in tree cavities near water. During spring, females lay their eggs in tree cavities after mating. Males do not participate in incubation, leaving the female alone to care for the eggs. However, unlike other species of ducks, the male does not completely abandon the female, leaving her only temporarily until the chicks hatch.

Immediately after the ducklings are born, the female flies back to the ground and calls on the ducklings to jump out of the nest. After all the ducklings are out of the tree, they follow the mother to the nearest body of water where they normally meet the father, who will reunite with the family and protect the ducklings along with the mother.

Breed Characteristics

The Mandarin duck is a small duck that weighs between 0.4 and 0.7 kilograms, the wing length of adult Mandarin ducks varies between 210 and 245 millimeters. The plumage and details of the male stand out from other brightly colored plumage ducks. The male has a crest on his head and has a brighter color than the female, there are other old-fashioned names such as: “Chinese duck”.

The adult male has a red beak, a large white crescent over the eye, and a reddish face and whiskers. The male’s chest is purple with two white vertical bars, and reddish flanks, and has two orange “sails” on the back (large feathers that stick out like ship sails). The female is similar to the female wood duck, with a ring in the eye and a white stripe coming out of the eye, but it is paler underneath, it has a small white stripe on the flank and a pale tip on the bill.

Both males and females have ridges, but the purple crest is more pronounced in the males. Like many other species of ducks, the male undergoes a molt after the mating season in molting plumage. In molting plumage, the male looks similar to that of the female but is distinguished by its bright yellow, orange, or red bill, the absence of a crest, and a less pronounced eye stripe.

Mandarin ducklings are almost identical in appearance to wood ducklings, and very similar to mallard ducklings. Ducklings of this species are distinguished from mallard ducklings because the eye line of mandarin ducklings (and wood ducklings) stops at the eye, while in mallard ducklings it reaches the beak.

Distribution and Habitat of Mandarin Duck

The original range is found in East Asia. In Russia, the Mandarin Duck nests in the Amur and Sakhalin regions (both in Sakhalin and presumably in Kunashir), Khabarovsk, and Primorsky Krais. It nests in small numbers in Shikotan, where it has also developed human-induced landscapes. The Mandarin duck is a migratory bird in the north of its range, and adult and juvenile birds usually leave the Russian Federation in late September. Winter in China and Japan. Wild mandarin ducks did not breed in North Korea in the late 20th century, although they were not regularly observed during flights.

In the 1990s, out of 25,000 pairs of mandarin ducks, about 15,000 (60%) were nested in Russia, of which 10,000 to 13,000 (that is, almost 80%) nested in Primorye. Additionally, 4,500 to 5,000 pairs nested in Japan, fewer than 1,000 pairs in China, roughly the same number in England and Ireland, and about 550 pairs in the United States. Furthermore, the species were successfully acclimatized in the UK and Ireland (since the 18th century) and California (since 1987).

In 2008, the world population is 65,000 ducks: 2,000 lived in China, 10,000 in Japan, 7,000 in the UK, and 1,000 in Brandenburg. It is said that the European population is already larger than the Asian one. The largest colony in Europe is in England, and on the mainland, in the Berlin area. It is also found in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.

Breed Habitat

This duck inhabits forested mountain rivers with overhanging tree branches and mountain forests on the banks of the river. The Mandarin Duck swims well and sits high in the water with its tail slightly raised. She rarely dives unless she is injured. Its flight is fast and maneuverable, it takes off with ease, sometimes almost in a straight line. Unlike most ducks, the Mandarin can often be seen sitting in tree branches or on coastal cliffs. Hunting the Mandarin duck is prohibited, it is listed in the Red Book of Russia as a rare species. This duck is raised in parks as a decorative bird.

Mandarin Duck Diet and Food

It feeds on shellfish, worms, fish eggs, and seeds of aquatic plants.

Breed Reproduction

As a general rule, the nests are arranged in hollows at different heights, sometimes up to 15 meters; less frequently they nest on the ground. Birds rarely nest in the same hole for 2 consecutive years. The clutch of mandarin ducks contains an average of 9.5 eggs (possible variations between 7 and 14), which the female incubates for approximately 32 days.

The hatching chicks jump from the nest by themselves to the ground. The reproductive success of mandarin ducks is affected by weather conditions, and chickens are very sensitive to hypothermia.

Decline in Numbers

Hunting and nest-destroying raccoon dogs have an impact on reducing the number of mandarin ducks at breeding sites in Russia. Many hunters shoot mandarin ducks because they mistake them for a different species, as it looks different in winter plumage.

In Chinese Culture

A pair of mandarin oranges called “yuanyan” in Chinese, where “yuan” is masculine and “yang” is feminine, symbolizes a pair of mandarin ducks for life, it is a symbol of loyalty. Because of this, they are often depicted in art.

The Chinese proverb about a couple in love is “two mandarin ducks playing in the water.” Ducks decorate the room for a Chinese wedding, symbolizing the desire for eternal fidelity and happiness in marriage.

Because the feathers of males and females are different, the word “yunyon” is used in Cantonese to denote a strange couple, as well as a mixture of strange ingredients, for example, this word refers to a drink that is a Hong Kong coffee and tea mix with milk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mandarin Duck Breed

Mandarin ducks are known for their vibrant and striking plumage, and they are often kept as ornamental birds. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mandarin duck breed:

What is the scientific name of the Mandarin duck?

The Mandarin duck is scientifically known as Aix galericulata.

Where are Mandarin ducks native to?

Mandarin ducks are native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia.

What is distinctive about the male Mandarin duck’s plumage?

Male Mandarin ducks are known for their colorful and elaborate plumage. They have ornate patterns with striking colors, including blue, green, orange, and white. They also have “sail-like” feathers on their back.

How do female Mandarin ducks differ in appearance from males?

Female Mandarin ducks have more subdued plumage compared to males. They typically have a mottled brownish-gray coloration, helping them blend into their surroundings during nesting.

What is the habitat of Mandarin ducks in the wild?

Mandarin ducks are found in wooded areas near ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes. They prefer habitats with plenty of vegetation for cover.

Are Mandarin ducks good for beginners in aviculture?

Mandarin ducks are considered more challenging to keep compared to some other duck breeds. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and proper care should be taken to provide them with a suitable environment.

What do Mandarin ducks eat?

In the wild, Mandarin ducks primarily eat a diet of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small fish. In captivity, they can be fed a combination of waterfowl pellets, grains, and chopped vegetables.

Can Mandarin ducks be kept in mixed flocks with other duck breeds?

While Mandarin ducks can be kept with other waterfowl, it’s essential to consider their specific needs. They may be more timid than other duck breeds, and careful monitoring is required to ensure they are not being bullied.

Do Mandarin ducks migrate?

Mandarin ducks are generally non-migratory, but their movements can be influenced by factors such as food availability and weather conditions.

Are Mandarin ducks monogamous?

Yes, Mandarin ducks are known for forming monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They often stay together throughout the year but may form new pairs if one of the mates dies.

How do Mandarin ducks reproduce?

Mandarin ducks typically nest in tree cavities, and the female lays a clutch of eggs. After the eggs hatch, the female leads the ducklings to water.

Are there any legal restrictions on keeping Mandarin ducks as pets?

Laws regarding keeping Mandarin ducks vary by location. It’s essential to check local and national regulations to ensure compliance.

Remember that keeping Mandarin ducks or any other bird species as pets requires careful consideration of their needs and a commitment to providing proper care. Always seek information from reputable sources and, if needed, consult with experienced aviculturists or veterinarians.

Conclusion

This species of duck was widespread or distributed in East Asia, but large-scale exports and the destruction of the forests that served as habitat have reduced its populations in Russia and China to less than 1000 pairs in each country, however, in Japan, there are still approximately 5000 pairs.

In their natural habitat, mandarins breed in densely wooded areas near lakes, swamps, or shallow ponds. They nest in cavities in trees close to the water and during the spring, females lay their eggs in the tree cavity after mating.

A single clutch of nine to twelve eggs is laid in April or May. Although the male can defend the female and her eggs during incubation, he does not incubate the eggs himself and abandons them before they hatch. Shortly after the duckling’s hatch, his mother flies to the ground and coaxes the ducklings out of the nest. After all the ducklings are out of the tree, they will follow their mother to a nearby body of water.

Specimens often escape their herds, to the point that a wild population of about 1,000 pairs settled in Britain in the 20th century. Although this is of great importance for the preservation of the species, these birds are not protected in the UK because they are not native to the country. There is also a wild migratory population of hundreds of Mandarin Ducks in Sonoma County, California. This population is the result of several mandarin ducks that escaped from captivity and began to breed in the wild.