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Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulata
2 photos
·1 photographer
·Uncommon · 10 ptsOrnate introduced duck; males spectacular with orange sails and crest.
2 community photos of Mandarin Duck on Things With Wings. Top-rated shots often use around 1/250ss shutter, 300mm.
Species Profile
Not assessed on UK Red/Amber/Green List; feral population treated as non-native invasive species in some regions
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years in captivity; wild lifespan poorly documented but estimated at 8–12 years
- Size & Weight
- 41–49 cm, wingspan 65–75 cm; 330–490 g
- Habitat
- Sheltered freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation and overhanging trees for nesting.
- UK Distribution
- Feral populations established in southern England, particularly around the Thames Valley, Surrey, and Hampshire; present year-round but numbers fluctuate with escapes and releases from captive collections.
- Diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on dabbling ducks' typical fare including aquatic plants, seeds, acorns, and invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans.
- Predators
- Foxes, mink, pike (for ducklings), and birds of prey including Sparrowhawks and Buzzards; eggs vulnerable to corvids and rats.
- Mating Season
- October to May (displays and pair formation); eggs laid March to May
- Breeding
- Clutch of 9–12 eggs; incubation period 28–30 days; single brood per year; nests in tree cavities or nest boxes
- Behaviour
- Highly dimorphic, with males displaying elaborate iridescent plumage and striking head patterns. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including head-flicking and feather-raising. Unlike most ducks, they are relatively quiet and perch readily in trees.
Sources and editorial status
The short identification summary comes from the Things With Wings species catalogue. The extended species profile is AI-assisted and has not been individually reviewed by a wildlife expert, so verify important identification or conservation details with the specialist sources below.
Profile generated 5 August 2026
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Camera Settings (top photos)
Shutter
1/250ss
ISO Range
400–800
Aperture
f/f/8
Focal Length
300mm
