Mandarin (Aix galericulata)
Species
Mandarin (Aix galericulata). Male. Taken at Banwell CP, Northants, on May 27th 2023.
Male. Taken at Banwell CP, Northants, on May 27th 2023.
(1/640th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Mandarin (Aix galericulata). Female. Taken at Banwell CP, Northants, on June 10th 2018.
Female. Taken at Banwell CP, Northants, on June 10th 2018.
(1/400th sec at f14. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 41 - 49 cm; WS: 65 - 75 cm

The male Mandarin has very elaborate and ornate plumage, with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks. The female is much duller, with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks.

It is native to east Asia. A feral population has existed in Great Britain since the early 20th century.

It prefers lakes and rivers with overhanging willows, reedbeds and other sheltering vegetation.

It has no status on the UK list as it is an introduced species. Around 2300 pairs breed in the UK.

Sightings

27-May-2023 : Barnwell Country Park, Northants (3m)
26-May-2023 : Barnwell Country Park, Northants (2)
03-Jan-2019 : Otmoor, Oxon (1m)
10-Jun-2018 : Barnwell Country Park, Northants (2)