One of the most ornate of all waterfowl species the Mandarin Duck has been revered in Far Eastern culture since at least the fifth century. As Mandarins were thought to be monogamous, and therefore a symbol of fidelity, pairs were presented as wedding gifts to Japanese newly-weds.
Appearance
The adult male (see above) is striking and colourful with a red bill, large white crescent above the eye, reddish face and 'whiskers'. The breast is purple with two vertical white bars, and the flanks ruddy, with two orange 'sails' at the back.
The female has a white eye-ring and stripe running back from the eye but is paler below and has a small white flank stripe and a pale tip to its bill.
Threats
Formerly abundant, numbers of Mandarin Ducks in their native Far East have declined due to habitat destruction (mainly logging) and over-hunting. Total population size is now around 80,000 birds including a feral population of 7,000 birds in the UK.
Habitat
Mandarin Ducks breed in densely wooded areas near wetlands and build nests in tree cavities close to the water. Ducklings are encouraged to leap from the nest to the ground below shortly after they hatch.
Voice
The male produces a nasal whistling note during display, whereas the female makes a high pitched courtship call that sounds like "keet". The male also makes a high-pitched staccato bark, a barely audible whistle and heard least often, is the grunting sound, similar to that of a wild pig.
To hear the warning call of a male Mandarin you can play the sound file at the top of this page.