Size: 41-49cm. Wingspan; 65-75cm.

Habitat and Distribution: Streams and ponds in wooded areas and the forests of China and Japan.

Age: 8-10 years.

Groups and Breeding: Although they may form small flocks in winter, this duck rarely associates with other ducks.

Breeding starts at the beginning of winter and includes elaborate courtship displays. The male will accompany the female while she searches for the perfect nest site; nests are in holes in trees and can be as high as 10 metres above the ground. The female will line the nest with down and then lay anything from 6-40 eggs (!) which she incubates for 28-30 days. When all the eggs are hatched, the mother leaves the nest and calls to the chicks from the ground. Each chick then crawls out of the hole and jumps to the ground. Amazingly, all the chicks land unhurt and then travel to the nearest feeding ground. After 40-45 days the chicks can fly and leave to join a new flock.

Diet: Plants and seeds.

• In China these ducks are known as Yuan-yang and they are a symbol of love and fidelity. The symbol for Mandarin Duck is even used in Chinese weddings to reflect wedded bliss. However in reality, Mandarin Ducks do not necessarily mate for life and although they may mate with the same partner two seasons running they equally well may not!
• There is a wild population of about 7,000 ducks in Great Britain, established from escapees from private collections. That is roughly the same number as found in the whole of Japan and more than in the rest of Asia!
• Mandarin Ducks have been known to migrate long distances, covering 500 miles in 24 hours.
• Apparently, Mandarin Ducks taste disgusting so they are never hunted for their meat!