Mandarin bird – not just a duck. It is interesting to researchers because of its unusual plumage, thanks to which the mandarin is often called the most beautiful of all ducks, and its way of life. Since it lives in a fairly limited range, zoologists have successfully populated it in other countries, since its natural habitat has been steadily declining under the onslaught of human civilization.
The crest on the head is only for males. In females, it is absent, and in general their plumage is less bright. On average, the weight of an adult mandarin does not exceed a pound, although some individuals weigh 600-700 grams. In the old literature, Mandarin Duck is often called the “Chinese duck”, because of its habitat in the wild. This bird got its name “Mandarin Duck” due to its unusually bright coloring of plumage. In China, mandarins called grandees, always brightly and magnificently dressed, hence the name. Mandarin males do not quack, and squeak, and with high and thin voices.
Among all species of ducks, only mandarins live in trees, and not on land or in coastal thickets. Mandarin usually builds its nests at a low height, no more than 4-6 meters. Like other ducks, they feed on frogs and other amphibians. At the same time, mandarins readily include oak acorns in their menu. These birds fly well, but their manner of taking off deserves special attention. They are able to rise into the air almost vertically both from the water and from the ground. In total, today the population of mandarin is estimated at about 25,000 individuals.
About 60% of all mandarin ducks in the wild live in Russia. They are also listed in the Russian Red Book. Already after 6 weeks after hatching from the egg, the chicks of these ducks learn to fly. For the winter, the mandarins, like other ducks, fly to warm lands, but come back in early spring, overcoming many thousands of kilometers on their journey. Despite the prohibition of hunting mandarin, sometimes they become victims of hunters, and quite by accident. During the molt, which they have twice a year, they lose their bright plumage and become similar to ordinary wild ducks, and they are easily confused.
At home, Mandarin also bred for decorative purposes. But they are very expensive. The life of these amazing birds reaches 10-12 years. Unlike most other species of birds, in mandarins both parents take an active part in raising and raising their offspring. Each year, mandarins build a new nest, and never use the same place twice. Most ducks dive easily, but not Mandarin birds. Scuba diving is also possible, but they usually hide under water only in case of danger. Mandarins form a pair for life, representing a real model of loyalty.
