image

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.

In the wild, Mandarins can be found in China, Korea, Japan and eastern Siberia.

The drake is one of world's most beautiful ducks and quite unlike any other species. 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 maroon, while the lower breast and belly are white. 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 grayer 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 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.

  mandain-hen-brood.jpg


Place Mouse over Pictures to Enlarge


 
Pair Mandarin Drakes


Mandarin Pair


Mandarin Hen and Ducklings 


Mandarin Drake


Mandarin Drake without his head color


How to Order

image