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Black Mandarin Duck


 

 

Description

Considered by most as the most ornamental of the world's ducks, the Mandarin Duck is a very popular aviary bird and commonly seen in many collections. They are closely related to the North American Wood Duck and both species are the only members of the genus. Despite the close relationship, there have been only a few reports of hybridization, but none have ever been documented or proven.

Black Mandarins are NOT Hybrids, they are in fact a Mutation which occurs naturally in the wild. The reason it is not seen often is that these dark colored birds are not often noticed because of their dark coloration therefore making them like likely noticeable.

The drake while not as beautiful ducks and quite unlike any other species, has it's own appeal. The forehead is glossy greenish-black that turns to purple as it slopes to a crest at the back of the head; the sides of the head are white with chestnut in front of the eyes. The sides of the neck and the cheeks have elongated chestnut feathers that form a mane; the upper breast is lacking the maroon, while the lower breast and belly are rust brown. The sides and flanks are brown, finely penciled with black. The most unique features are the wing sails, which are bright orange feathers that stand straight up off his inner wings. The hen greatly resembles a wood duck hen. She is dark gray, almost charcoal and has a smaller crest and eye ring..

 

Breeding

Like the wood duck, Mandarins require nesting boxes to nest in. The breeding season begins in late April when the hen begins to lay her clutch of 8 to 12 eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. The hens are good mothers and will raise her own young if you allow her to. The ducklings grow quickly and are able to fly at 8 weeks. They are able to breed the first year, but fertility is best during the second year.

 

General Comments:

The Black  Mandarin is not common in the U.S. but there are a handful that do have them in their collections. They are very common in European countries, but to the import bans, there is no importing of these birds. So we'll have to wait until this beautiful mutation occurs here in the U.S.
The Mandarin is an excellent bird for the beginner. They do well in most aviaries, as they very well with most other birds. However, over crowding will lead to bickering between the males for territory.

 


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Black  Mandarin Drake


Black Mandarin Pair


Black Mandarin Drake


Black Mandarin Ducklings and 1 White Mandarin Duckling


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