Mandarin Duck

The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized perching duck native to East Asia, closely related to the North American Wood Duck and sharing its habit of nesting in tree cavities near wooded water. It has also been introduced and become established as feral populations in parts of Europe.

Breeding males are extraordinarily ornate, with a crested head combining iridescent green, purple, and white, orange facial whiskers, and, most famously, a pair of large, upright orange feathers on the wing known as 'sail' feathers, unique among ducks.

Females are much plainer, soft grey-brown overall, but are identifiable by a white eye-ring and a fine white stripe extending back from the eye, along with delicate white spotting on the underparts.

Size and shape

• The male's orange 'sail' feathers are uniquely large, stiff, and fan-shaped, held upright on the back when the wing is folded, unlike any other duck feather
• Elongated crest feathers on the male's head

Color and pattern

• Male sail feathers bright orange with a black terminal band, unmistakable if found intact
• Male head feathers iridescent green, purple, and white in bold facial and crest patterning, with long orange 'whisker' feathers on the cheeks
• Male flank feathers orange, breast feathers purplish with white vertical bars at the sides
• Female body feathers soft grey-brown, with a white eye-ring and stripe behind the eye, and fine white spotting on the underparts

Distinguishing from similar species

• The orange sail feather is unique to this species and cannot be confused with any other duck
• Female Mandarin Ducks resemble female Wood Ducks but show a more complete white eye-ring and stripe rather than the Wood Duck's bold teardrop patch

Breeding males are extremely ornate, with an iridescent green, purple, and white crested head, orange cheek whiskers, purplish breast with white bars, orange flanks, and the signature upright orange sail feathers. Females are soft grey-brown with a white eye-ring and stripe, and pale spotting below. Males undergo a pronounced eclipse molt, becoming duller and female-like for part of the year. All undergo a flightless period during wing molt.

Native to East Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Japan, favoring wooded rivers, ponds, and lakes with nearby tree cover for nesting. Feral, self-sustaining populations have become established in parts of Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, following escapes from captive collections. East Asian populations show partial migratory movement, while introduced populations tend to be largely resident.

Feeds on seeds, aquatic vegetation, acorns, and invertebrates, foraging in water and on land beneath trees. Nests in tree cavities, similar to the related Wood Duck. Voice includes soft whistled and grunting calls, generally quieter than many other ducks. The unique orange sail feather makes this one of the easiest ducks in the world to confirm from a single dropped feather, wherever it is found, whether within its native range or an introduced population.