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Nature

Mandarin Duck

What is mandarin duck?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Aix galericulata[2]
Native range East Asia[2]
Size 45 cm[3]
Wingspan 71 cm[3]
Global population Around 65,000 individuals[1]

The mandarin duck (*Aix galericulata*) is a perching duck native to East Asia, known for its striking plumage and association with wooded wetlands. It is a small duck, about 45 cm long with a 71 cm wingspan, and is found in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The species has also established a feral population in the UK after escapes from captivity.

Context

The mandarin duck is a perching duck native to East Asia, where it lives in wooded wetlands and forested water areas [2]. It is found in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia [1]. The species has also become established in the UK after birds escaped or were released from captivity [3]. Its diet includes plants, seeds, snails, insects, and small fish [2]. The global population is estimated at around 65,000 individuals [1]. While it shares the duck family with species like the Muscovy Duck and Pekin Duck, the mandarin duck is distinct in its perching habits and vivid appearance.

Documented claims

  • The mandarin duck is a perching duck that inhabits wooded areas near lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. [2]
  • It was introduced to the UK after escaping or being released from captivity, and is now established there. [3]

Related

Duck TollerDuck Toller är en hundras som är uppkallad efter sin förmåga att jaga ankor, vilket kan vara av intresse för läsare som vill veta mer om djur med ankanknytning.

Questions and answers

Are there mandarin ducks in Canada?

The sources do not mention mandarin ducks in Canada. The species is native to East Asia and has an established introduced population in the UK [3].

How rare is a mandarin duck?

The global population is estimated at around 65,000 individuals [1]. It is not described as rare in the sources, though it is native to a limited region in East Asia.

Are there mandarin ducks in the US?

The sources do not report mandarin ducks in the US. They are found in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia, with an introduced population in the UK [1].

Sources

  1. Mandarin duck — wildlifetrusts.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. 10 Facts about Mandarin Ducks (with Photos) - Bird Feeder Hub — birdfeederhub.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Mandarin Duck Facts | Aix Galericulata — rspb.org.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature