Aix galericulata

Mandarin Duck

Behavior

In the Far East, Mandarins are migratory. Some of the ducks in England also make long-distance flights. Most ducks in the British population, however, are sedentary. These birds have been known to cover 500 miles in 24 hours.

Habitat

The Mandarin lives in the forests of China and Japan. They prefer wooded ponds and fast flowing rocky streams to swim, wade, and feed in.

Biomes: temperate forest & rainforest, freshwater lake

Positive

They have been exported to the west, namely Britain, since 1745. They are bred in captivity by European avicultururalists.

Conservation

Status: special concern

Derstruction of habitat has had a severe impact on the oriental populations of Mandarins. In 1911, the Tung Ling forest, a Mandarin stronghold, was opened up for settlement and thereafter forests were cleared. By 1928 few sufficient breeding areas remained. The current Asian population may be under 20,000 birds. One factor that has helped the Mandarin to survive is their bad taste. These ducks are not hunted for food.

Other Comments

The Mandarin is held in high esteem by the Japanese and the Chinese. In these countries, they serve as a symbol of happiness and marital fidelity.

References

Gooders, J., and T. Boyer. 1986. Ducks of North America and the Northern Hemisphere. Facts on File Publications.

Johnsgard, Paul, A. 1992. Ducks in the Wild. Prentice Hall General Reference.