Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulata
Least Concern
The Mandarin Duck is often called the world's most beautiful duck! Males have an incredible mix of orange, purple, green, and white feathers with distinctive 'sail' feathers on their backs.
In Asian cultures, mandarin ducks symbolize love and marriage because they form strong pair bonds. They're one of the few ducks that nest in tree holes!
Size
About the size of a football
Medium (25-40 cm)
Wingspan: 75 cm
Weight: 600 g
Colors
orange
purple
green
white
Habitat
forestwetland
Diet
seedsinsectsnuts
Fun Facts
- ✨In China and Japan, they're symbols of love and given as wedding gifts!
- ✨They nest in tree holes up to 30 feet high!
- ✨Day-old ducklings jump from the nest - they bounce when they land!
- ✨Males lose their colorful feathers after breeding season.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: decreasing 📉