Mandarin Duck

NAME:

Mandarin Duck

CLASS:

Aves

GENUS:

Aix

SPECIES:

A. galericulata

LENGTH:

17” tall, 16” wingspan

LIFESPAN:

20 yrs. – captive, 3 yrs. – wild

DIET:

Acorns, Grains, Insects, Snails, Fish, Grasshoppers, Frogs

PREDATORS:

Snakes, Birds, Mammals

RANGE

China, Russia, Siberia & Japan

HABITAT

Woodlands, mountain areas with streams, marshland & forests

CHARACTERISTICS

The Mandarin Duck symbolizes wedded bliss and fidelity in Chinese lore. An ancient Chinese proverb describes loving couples as “Two swimming Mandarin Ducks.” In reality, these ducks may find a different partner during each mating season. The biggest threats to these animals come from hunters, poachers and loggers.

REPRODUCTION

Females lay a clutch of 8-10 eggs. These chicks hatch after a 30 day incubation in a tree hollow, above the ground. Newly hatched chicks must follow their mother as she jumps from the tree hollow nest to the ground below. The females also protect their chicks by pretending to be injured to attract predators to her and away from her offspring.

THREATS

Hunters, poachers and loggers destroying habitat.