The Mandarin duck
is without doubt one of the most beautiful and colorful birds in the world. For
those who you don’t know, Mandarin duck is originated and native to East Asia
but they also can be seen in throughout the whole Palearctic realm which includes
Eurasia, north of the foothills of the Himalayas, and North Africa.
The story about
their distributions is like this; the Mandarins brought these birds from China
in around 20th century. On that journey some of the birds escaped and later
established their own colony.
They usually make
home of areas like river edges, dense and shrubby areas. When it comes to their
breeding season, females also lay their eggs here.
The male duck has
this spectacular multi-colored plumage and a unique shape as you can see.
Orange face, brown neck, blue forehead, bronze-colored sides with purple chest,
and blue back with two Orange ‘sail’ like extension of their wings, with little
bit of green color spilled here and there.
Unfortunately, as
most females of the animal kingdom, their females don’t inherit these
multi-colored body either. They are almost completely gray, with a pretty white
strips running from their eyes, white spotted breast and bit of blue on their
feathers. Though they don’t look so colorful, they are still beautiful.
Usually Mandarin
ducks get plants and seeds as their main diets. But depending on the season
they shift to insects, snails or small fishes.
Their population
have been reducing due to habitat lost for last few years like lots of other
animals. But they are still hanging there without getting added to the list of
endangered species.
There is a saying
that not all the people can see all colors on a Mandarin Duck. How many colors
can you see? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And please make sure
to share the colorful article with your friends and family. Spread the joy!
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