Blonde Mandarin Duck

The Blonde Mandarin is a deviation of the White Mandarin, where the buff colored markings are more pronounced and defining than the white. And the hen is believed to be some what lighter colored than the apricot hen.

The Blonde Mandarin in it's own rights is considered by most as one of  the most ornamental of the world's ducks, the Blonde 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.

Apricot 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 lighter colored birds are often preyed upon because of their light color which makes them stand out.

The drake is one of world's most beautiful ducks and quite unlike any other species. The forehead is a dark buff color trailing all the way down the back of the neck. The breast is also a blonde buff color with blonde barring across the breast. The side flanks are white and the wing feathers are white with dark blonde feathering, as well as the tail feathers. The under belly is a pure white. The hen is a pale blonde similar the to the Apricot Mandarin 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 Blonde Mandarin is not common in the U.S. but there are a handful that do have them in their collections. They are becoming more common in the U.S., but most breeders are not too willing to let them go. 

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.