Often cited as the most beautiful duck in the world, the male Mandarin Duck in full breeding plumage is an extraordinary patchwork of chestnut, green, white, orange, and purple. A symbol of fidelity and conjugal happiness in Chinese and Japanese culture.
Gallery
Key Facts
- Nests in tree cavities up to 10m above ground
- Ducklings leap from nest cavity on hatching day
- Chinese symbol of marital happiness
- Introduced populations thrive across Europe
Species Data
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Global Population
~65,000
Habitat
Wooded streams, lakes, parks
Range
East Asia, introduced to Europe
Family
Anatidae
Order
Anseriformes
Data Sources
eBird · iNaturalist · Xeno-canto