Explore the diversity and unique charm of mandarin ducks
Mandarin ducks are known as “love birds”. Their scientific name is Aix galericulata. Male and female mandarin ducks have very different appearances and often live in mountainous waters. In Dalian, mandarin ducks are commonly see in autumn, winter and spring. They are friendly to humans.
Mandarin duck, a bird that often appears in ancient Chinese literary works and myths and legends, are endowed with many beautiful symbols by our traditional culture. On the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we explore the diversity and unique charm of mandarin ducks, and hope that every reader can have a harmonious and beautiful life like these.
Love bird
These magical creature known as the “love bird”. Its scientific name is Aix galericulata, belonging to the order Anseriformes, family Anatidae, is a medium-sized waterfowl, and is listed as a national second-class protected animal. Their body length is about 38-45 cm, and there are significant differences in appearance between males and females. The male bird has a red beak and orange-yellow feet.
Its feathers are colorful, especially the emerald green on the forehead. The center of the top of the head, with a metallic luster. Their occipital area is copper-red, and together with the dark purple-green long. Feathers on the back of the neck, it forms a unique crest. What is even more striking is that the male bird has a wide white eyebrow behind its eyes, and a pair of chestnut-yellow fan-shaped upright feathers stand upright on its back, like the sails on a sailboat, which is both peculiar and eye-catching.
In contrast, the female bird has a black beak and orange-yellow feet. Its head and entire upper body are covere with gray-brown feathers, and there is no crest. Although the two sexes are different in appearance, their wings are very similar. However, it is worth noting that the female bird has no metallic luster and fan-shaped upright feathers. These eye area and eyebrow are white, which is also unique and eye-catching.
Habitat
Mandarin ducks are alert by nature. They usually choose diverse habitats such as mountain forest rivers, lakes, ponds, reed marshes and rice fields. In terms of foraging, mandarin ducks show omnivorous characteristics.
Mandarin ducks are listed as summer migratory birds in the northeast region.
It is rumor that they may have escaped from the nearby bird-singing forest. But they are not afraid of humans and even allow close observation and photography. Since then, every winter and spring season, Lingjiao Bay will welcome ten to twenty mandarin ducks, who forage here and turn a blind eye to the arrival of humans. Lingjiao Bay has thus become an excellent place to observe and photograph mandarin ducks.
