Latin name - Aix galericulata

The Mandarin duck was introduced from Eastern Asia and China as an ornamental bird into gardens and parks. Escaping from captivity, they have established a wild population in south, central and eastern England, with smaller numbers occuring in Wales, Northern England and Scotland. They like wooded lakes and rivers with thick, overhanging vegetation where they nest in tree holes close to the water. The male is a most colourful duck with an elaborate plumage with orange 'sails' on the back and long orange feathers on the side of the face. The female is far more sombre with a grey head, brown back, mottled flanks and a white eye-ring which extends backwards towards the nape. They are smaller than Mallards approximately 42 to 48 cms in length. They feed on seeds, nuts, acorns, grain, vegetable matter as well as insects, snails and worms.