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Birds by name

Mandarin

Conservation status: Introduced

The male has the most elaborate and ornate plumage with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks. The female is dull by comparison with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks. They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity.

Overview

Latin name

Aix galericulata

Family

Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)

Where to see them

Main population is in south, central and eastern England, but small numbers occur in Wales, Northern England and Scotland. Likes lakes with plenty of overhanging trees and bushes.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Insects, vegetation and seeds.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-7,000 birds--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Illustrations

Characteristics

Mandarin (male)

Mandarin - male
  • Colouring: Male
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, blue, orange, cream/buff, green
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Beak shape: medium
  • Leg colour: brown, orange, yellow
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground

Mandarin (female)

Mandarin - female
  • Colouring: Female, Juvenile
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, red/pink
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Beak shape: medium
  • Leg colour: brown, orange, yellow
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground