Male Mandarin (Aix galericulata) – Slim Bridge, UK
Canon 7D
Canon 300mm F2.8 L IS plus 1.4x Extender
F5.6
ISO 320
1/1000th
Evaluative metering – 1/3
Resting on nearby post.
The Mandarin, is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck.
The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but large-scale exports and the destruction of its forest habitat have reduced populations in eastern Russia and in China to below 1,000 pairs in each country; Japan, however, is thought to still hold some 5,000 pairs.
Specimens frequently escape from collections, and in the 20th century a feral population numbering about 1,000 pairs was established in Great Britain; more recently small numbers have bred in Ireland. Black Mountain, North Carolina also has a limited population.Although this is of great conservational significance, the birds are not protected in the UK since the species is not native there. There is also a free-flying feral population of several hundred mandarins in Sonoma County, California. This population is the result of several mandarin ducks escaping from captivity, then going on to reproduce in the wild.
Unlike other species of ducks, most Mandarin drakes reunite with the hens they mated with along with their offsprings after the eggs have hatched and even share scout duties in watching the ducklings closely. However, even with both parents securing the ducklings, most of them do not survive to adulthood.
Mandarins may form small flocks in winter. In the wild, Mandarin Ducks breed in densely wooded areas near shallow lakes, marshes or ponds. They nest in cavities in trees close to water and during the spring, the females lay their eggs in the tree’s cavity after mating.
Location: Slimbridge, UK