Key information
The male mandarin duck 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.
What they eat:
Insects, vegetation and seeds.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 41-49 cm
- Wingspan:
- 68-74cm
- Weight:
- 430-690g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 2,300 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 7,000 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Mandarin (male)
Mandarin (female)
