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White Mandarin Duck


 

 

Description

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

White 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 light buff color trailing all the way down the back of the neck. The breast is also a light buff color with very pale buff barring across the breast. The side flanks are white and the wing feathers are all white feathering, as well as the tail feathers. The under belly is a pure white. The hen is a pure white with no other markings other than on a few you will notice some extremely light buff on the crest.

 

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 White Mandarin is common in in most collections but is still considered to be hard to find. 

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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White Mandarin Drake


White Mandarin Drake


White Mandarin Hen


White Mandarin Drake


How to Order

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