Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata

The mandarin duck is the most frequently kept ornamental duck besides the bridal duck. It is robust, frost-resistant, persevering and easy to breed. The male has a bushy, coloured cap and an enlarged orange feather on the inside of both wings, which can be renewed three times within one moulting period if lost. When flying, these feathers disappear under the shoulder plumage. The female is monochromatic grey. Mandarin ducks have been kept in Europe for a long time and can also be found freely here and there.
Reproduction: The clutch consists of 8 to 12 eggs, which are incubated for 28 to 30 days. During resting periods they like to climb boulders lying on the shore or settle on branches or poles.