With its strikingly colorful feathers and unique shape, it really is like no other animal we have ever seen before.
They can still be found in abundance in their native East Αsia but can also found in the numbers in the UK.
They were brought over from China in the 20th century by the Mandarins but some of them escaped and created their own feral colony, and this is how their population was cultivated in Britain and other places around the world.
Αs you may see from the photos, they are multi-colored. With a red bill, white crescent over its eyes, orange face and ‘whiskers’.
The breast is purple with bronze-colored sides. The top of the back is blue with two orange ‘sails’ just below it that stick up, just like a boat sail.
Only the male of the species is this unique coloring. The female is a much duller grey color with a white striped running from her eyes and white spotted breast.
The Mandarin duck is indeed a stunningly beautiful bird, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world. It is a species of duck that is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The male Mandarin duck is especially striking, with a colorful and intricate plumage that includes a metallic green crest, a purple chest, and a distinctive white and orange stripe that runs down the sides of its body.
The female Mandarin duck is less colorful than the male, but still has a striking appearance, with a mottled brown and grey plumage that provides excellent camouflage in its natural environment.
One of the most interesting things about the Mandarin duck is its courtship behavior. During the breeding season, males will perform elaborate displays to attract females, including preening, flapping their wings, and even shaking their heads vigorously. Once a female has chosen a mate, the pair will bond and remain together throughout the breeding season.
Mandarin ducks are also known for their unique vocalizations, which include a variety of whistles, grunts, and other calls.
Unfortunately, despite their beauty and cultural significance in East Asia, Mandarin ducks are threatened by habitat loss and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of this iconic species and ensure their survival for generations to come.