Aix galericulata

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Mandarin duck
French : Canard mandarin

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 51 cm in length for a weight of 690 g. Female has strong beige spotting on breast and flanks, reddish bill with white base and white cheek line starting from bill. Male is unmistakable and has an extraordinary coloration.

Range and habitat
The species breeds in east Russia and north-east China, winters in South China. Also known from Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Lives in marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes surrounded by dense forest, to 1500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species has been declining in most of its range because of overhunting and habitat destruction. Some populations are slowly recovering.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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