Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata. These ducks are native to China, Japan and Russia; however, escaped domestic ducks have since populated parts of Europe and North American. These ducks favor woodland areas with ponds and marshes. Deforestation has resulted in reduced populations in their native habitat.

Duck of the Week

The Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata, is native to Eastern Russia, China and Japan and is related to the American Wood Duck.

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata. Mandarin ducks are closely related to the American Wood Duck but are from Asia. In China and Korea, Mandarin Ducks (yuan yang) symbolize marital fidelity and bliss. Like wood ducks, they nest in holes/boles in trees near water.

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata, male. Mandarin ducks are native to Russia, China and Japan and have become somewhat rare in their native habitats, partly due to extensive habitat destruction. They are closely related to the North American Wood Duck and are both perching ducks that nest in tree boles and live in wooded areas near lakes and shallow ponds. They are fairly solitary in nature, generally not associating with large flocks of other ducks. They are revered in Asian culture as symbols of married bliss and fidelity. In Chinese they are called yuan yang. In Korea they give wooden duck carvings as wedding presents, again symbolizing lifelong marriage and fidelity.