What kind of bird is a mandarin duck? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Mandarin ducks are generally drifting birds, but they are distributed quite widely from Japan to China. Its population has been stable for a long time, and it is probably one of the most familiar birds.
- What is a mandarin duck? About basic status
- About the habitat of the mandarin duck
- feature is? What kind of creature is it?
- What kind of personality does a mandarin duck have?
- What is the ecology of mandarin duck?
- About Mandarin Duck Chicks
- Is the mandarin duck an endangered species?
- Can mandarin ducks be kept as pets?
What is a mandarin duck? About basic status
The mandarin duck is a bird classified in the genus Mandarin, in the order Anseriformes and in the family Anatidae. The kanji is 鴛鴦, and the scientific name is Aix galericulata. The body length is 40-50cm and the weight is 0.6kg. The list of information is as follows. The color of its plumage is sober, and it is a bird that often appears in pictures and pictures in illustrated books. You can observe and see how well they get along with each other.
| Japanese（和名） | オシドリ |
| English（英名） | Mandarin duck |
| scientific name(学名) | Aix galericulata |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Anseriformes、 Anatidae、Aix 鳥綱、カモ目、カモ科、オシドリ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 40-50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.6-1kg |
Taxonomy of Mandarin Ducks
- 界（Kingdom）: 動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）: 脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）: 鳥綱 (Aves)
- 目（Order）: カモ目 (Anseriformes)
- 科（Family）: カモ科 (Anatidae)
- 属（Genus）: オシドリ属 (Aix)
- 種（Species）: オシドリ (Aix galericulata)
About the habitat of the mandarin duck
Mandarin ducks are distributed primarily in Japan and also in China.
- Geographic Distribution
Origin (Natural Distribution): East Asia
Japan: Central and northern Honshu, Hokkaido, and parts of Kyushu
Eastern China and the Korean Peninsula
Eastern Russia (Amur River basin, etc.)
Introduced Distribution:
Parts of Europe (UK, France, etc.), Eastern United States
This is a result of released or escaped individuals becoming wild.
- Habitat
Freshwater lakes and rivers in forested areas
Small rivers, ponds, wetlands, and lakes
Prefers calm waters surrounded by trees
Near trees
Nests in tree cavities during the breeding season
Forests are essential as they lay eggs in tree branches and cavities
Wintering Grounds
Gathers in unfrozen rivers and ponds in winter
Forms schools in warm, safe waters
- Habitat Conditions
Water Quality and Quantity: Relatively calm freshwater
Vegetation: Surrounded by trees and bushes, with hiding places
Safety: Prefers an environment with few predators and human activity
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The mandarin duck’s head is flat and pinched from the sides, and it has beautiful colored feathers, including a showy crest, which is its main characteristic. The male’s beak is red with a white tip. The plumage on the thorax is purple, and there are white markings on the sides of the neck. Mandarin ducks live in villages, mountain streams, lakes, etc. Although they are generally wandering birds, they are also known to migrate to Japan from overseas in the winter. Their feet are orange and their fingers are webbed, allowing them to swim.
- Appearance
Male (Breeding Season)
Very flashy plumage
Face red, white brows, and a variety of orange, purple, and blue colors from the neck to the chest
The feathers on the back are bright green or blue, and there are “sail-like” feathers (ornamental feathers) on the shoulders
Beak: Short, reddish
Body length: Approximately 42-49 cm, wingspan approximately 65-75 cm
Tail: Long, black, and decorative
Female (Non-breeding Season)
Dull plumage
Grayish-brown with white spots, acting as a protective color
Body Shape
Rounded and smaller than the male
- Behavior and Personality
Personality: Quiet and timid
Will flee into the water if it senses humans or predators
Swimming and Flight
Adapted to life on water
Excellent fliers, capable of short-distance flight to build nests in tree cavities
Solo or in small groups
Pairs during the breeding season
Form small flocks during the winter
- Ecological Characteristics
Adaptations as a Waterfowl
Webbed feet, suitable for swimming
Can climb trees and build nests in tree holes
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small fish
What kind of personality does a mandarin duck have?
As a side note, in Japan there is a phrase that is often referred to as “mandarin duck couple.” It is said that once a pair is created, they will stay together forever, but in reality, this is not the case and people cheat and have affairs. As you can see by observing them in a coop, we already know that male and female mandarin ducks change partners every winter. The term “Oshidori couple” is not used correctly.
Mandarin Duck Personality Traits
Quiet and timid
Generally not aggressive, they will quickly flee if they sense humans or predators.
Even in rivers or ponds, they will hide underwater at the slightest noise.
Highly cautious
Sensitive to predators (hawks, dogs, cats, humans)
Even during the breeding season, they remain vigilant of anyone approaching their nest or chicks.
Mostly solitary or paired.
Males and females pair up during the breeding season.
Outside the breeding season, they live in small flocks or alone.
Rather than being socially active, Mandarin Ducks tend to keep their distance from other individuals, unlike ducks that form large flocks.
Even during the winter, they live in small flocks of just a few birds.
Timid but observant.
Sensitive to changes in their surroundings, they closely observe those who approach.
Choosing safe locations for nesting and migration.
What is the ecology of mandarin duck?
They are omnivores with a strong tendency to eat plants, subsisting on aquatic plants, fruits, seeds, insects, and terrestrial shellfish. The breeding form is oviparous, and they build nests in mountains and lay eggs from April to July. The female lays 9-12 eggs and incubates them. The lifespan is said to be about 10 to 20 years.
- Lifestyle
Waterbirds that live both on and off the water
Forage while swimming in freshwater bodies of water such as rivers, ponds, and lakes
They often build nests in tree cavities during the breeding season, but are also capable of arboreal habitats
Activity Period
Primarily diurnal, active during the day
Feeds, rests, and breeds around rivers and ponds
- Diet
Omnivorous
Vegetation: Aquatic plants, seeds, and fruit
Flesh: Insects, small aquatic fish, and small invertebrates
Feeding Method
Pecks at plants and insects on the surface of the water
Grabs aquatic plants and small fish underwater with their beaks
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season: Spring to Early Summer (Varies by Region)
Nesting: Nests in tree cavities or hollows
Tree nests protect eggs and chicks from predators
Egg Size: Usually 8-12
Rearing
The female incubates the eggs and guides them after they hatch.
Chicks can jump into water immediately after hatching.
Males often return to the group outside of the breeding season, and the female is generally responsible for rearing the young.
- Migration and Wintering
Wintering: Moves to unfrozen waters
Migratory Behavior
In some areas, individuals migrate for wintering.
Habitat Selection
Prefers calm, predator-free waters.
Are there any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of mandarin ducks are martens and crows, and animals larger than themselves pose a major threat.
About Mandarin Duck Chicks
Here is a detailed overview of Mandarin Duck chicks (young birds).
- Birth
Hatching Period: Spring to Early Summer (Depending on Region)
Egg Number: Usually 8-12
Hatching Time: Approximately 28-30 Days
Characteristics at Hatch:
Body Length: Approximately 7-8 cm
Feathers are pale yellow and brown mottled.
Eyes are already open.
They quickly acquire the ability to dive into water (immediately after leaving the tree cavity).
- Fledging
Diving from the Nest:
About one day after birth, chicks dive from the tree cavity, guided by their mother, onto the ground or into the water.
Diving is an important behavior in nature for avoiding predators.
Starting Life in Water:
After diving, they learn how to feed by swimming after their mother.
Initially, they peck on small insects and plant leaves.
- Growth and Behavior
First few weeks:
Learns to swim, dive, and forage on the surface of the water
Travels with the mother and rests in safe places
First few months:
Feathers gradually adapt to adult color
Males still have a dull color, while females remain camouflaged
Their feathers do not change to their vibrant colors until the breeding season, which begins the following year
- Biological Characteristics
Sociality:
Immediately after birth, they follow their mother and move around on the water
Hides with their mother when danger approaches
Independence:
Learns basic feeding, swimming, and flying within a few months
Becomes independent by the following year, ready for the breeding season
Is the mandarin duck an endangered species?
Mandarin ducks are not an endangered species. The population is very stable so far, and there are no particular problems.
- Global Conservation Status (IUCN Red List)
Classification: LC (Least Concern)
Comments:
Widely distributed in East Asia (Japan, China, and eastern Russia)
Populations are stable and showing little decline
Deforestation and wetland loss may have an impact in some areas, but overall they are not a threat
- Habitat Threats
Decrease in nests and water bodies due to deforestation and urban development
Hunting and capture for pets are common in some areas
Localized impacts from invasive species and environmental changes
However, these are localized issues, and the species as a whole is not classified as endangered.
- Status in Japan
Natural records show a stable population in Japan
Able to breed in forests around rivers and lakes
In some areas, they are sometimes protected in tourist areas and parks
Can mandarin ducks be kept as pets?
Generally speaking, a small mandarin duck costs around 2,000 to 3,000 yen. They are difficult to obtain, so it is best to have them gifted to you by the zoo. They are small birds and are popular as household pets. They can be kept like parakeets and parrots.
- Legal and Regulatory Issues
In Japan, the Wildlife Protection Act prohibits the capture and captivity of wild mandarin ducks.
While they can be kept in zoos and research facilities, it is illegal to obtain wild specimens at home.
Regulations may be more lenient for introduced or bred specimens, but proper captivity is essential.
- Ecological and Behavioral Issues
Aquatic Life is Essential
They primarily swim in freshwater areas such as rivers, ponds, and wetlands.
Water must be provided in the captivity environment.
Highly cautious and timid.
They are not easily accustomed to humans and are susceptible to stress-related health problems.
Flying Capability
Because they fly freely, escape prevention measures such as enclosures or cages are necessary.
- Dietary Management
Although omnivorous, in the wild they eat aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, insects, and small fish.
Feeding a diet similar to their natural diet at home is difficult.
Inadequate nutritional management poses a high risk of health problems.
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