Pato a la mandarina

Bird Name: Mandarin Duck. Scientific Name: Aix galericulata.

Apariencia:
The Mandarin Duck is a stunningly unique waterfowl, renowned for its vibrant coloration and strikingly distinct patterns. The beak is red-toned with a white tip, and the bird bears a double crest, one of which protrudes from the back of the neck like an elegant mane. Males are particularly striking, with a red bill, large white crescent above the eye, and a resplendent plumage of bold colors such as purple, gold, orange and green. Females on the other hand, are more subdued in color – mainly grey and white, with a neat white stripe trailing back from the eye.

Tamaño:
The average length of a Mandarin Duck ranges from 41 to 49 cm (16 to 19 inches). Their wingspan stretches to approximately 68-74 cm (26-29 inches) and weight varies from 428 to 690 grams.

Habitat and Distribution:
The current distribution of Mandarin Ducks is eastern Asia, including China, Japan and Korea. However, they have also been introduced into Europe, and widely in Britain. They can also be found in scattered sectors of North America. Their preferred habitats are clear, shallow lakes and ponds amid heavy woodland.

Datos de interés:
– In traditional Asian culture, Mandarin Ducks are symbolic of affection and fidelity. This is because pairs are monogamous, often staying together for several breeding seasons.
– These ducks have strong claws that aid them in perching on tree branches.
– Uniquely, these birds have been known to play dead to evade predators.

Dieta:
Mandarin ducks have a broad diet but predominantly consume seeds and acorns, in addition to a variety of plants. They also eat insects, snails, fish and small amphibians.

Comportamiento y sonidos:
Displaying an attractive mating behavior, the male bird raises its sail feathers and emits a high-pitched whistle while the female produces a series of short, sharp quacks. Their mating display is spectacular, featuring bobbing, preening, and wing-flapping gestures.

Estado de conservación:
The Mandarin Duck sits in the ‘Least Concern’ category according to the IUCN red list, though populations have faced declines due to habitat loss and hunting in its native Asian range.

Vida útil:
Usually Mandarin Ducks live up to an average of 6 years in the wild, but they often have longer lifespans in captivity, with some recorded to have reached up to 21 years.

Notas adicionales:
The Mandarin in ‘Mandarin Duck’ comes from the Latin word mandarinus meaning ‘of China’, and these birds are indeed highly revered in Chinese tradition, often appearing in paintings and other forms of art. The male is also known by the affectionate term ‘drake’. They serve a role in ecosystem by controlling the population of insects, freshwater invertebrates and seeds they consume. They are relatively shy birds and are often difficult to locate in their natural habitat. Despite their exotic beauty, Mandarin Ducks are not aggressive and usually keep a distance from human interaction. This reclusive behavior may be one reason for their survival throughout the years.