Birds and wildlife

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulataGroup: Ducks, geese and swansUK Conservation status:Not assessed

How to identify

The male Mandarin Duck has very elaborate and decorative plumage with distinctive orange feathers on the side of the face, a purple chest, large orange feathers that stick up like sails on its back, and pale orange flanks (its lower sides). The female is not as brightly-coloured, with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled lower sides. They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts