Mandarin Duck

The mandarin duck is the medium sized perching duck. These ducks has a glossy greenish-black forehead that turns to purple as it slopes to a crest at the back of the head. The sides of the head are white with chestnut in front of the eyes. The sides of the neck and the cheeks have longer brown feathers. The upper breast is maroon, and the lower breast and belly are white. The sides and flanks are brown with black streaks and wing sails, which are bright orange feathers.

The mandarin ducks are closely related to the North American wood duck. Largest population found in Japan and England

Their diets are varies with season and locality, acorns, buckwheat, and rice (in fall), insects snails, small fish, and vegetation (in spring); grapes, roses, rhododendrons, pines, aquatic plant seeds, horsetail shoots 

Mandarin ducks are highly social, flying in large flocks during winter. Pair bonds are very strong among them and if they survive beyond one breeding season, they will return to the same bond rather than establish new ones. Females take the initiative in choosing a mate by orienting enticing behavior toward a preferred mate. Japanese and Chinese cultures hold the mandarin in high regards. In these countries, they serve as a symbol of happiness and fidelity.
The mandarin duck are classified as least concern by IUCN
Predation of the Mandarin Duck varies due to its geological ranges. Mink, raccoon dogs, otters, polecats, eurasian eagle owls, and grass snakes are all predators of the Mandarin Duck. The greatest threat to the Mandarin Duck is habitat loss due to loggers. Hunters are also a threat to the Mandarin Duck, because oftentimes, they are unable to recognize the Mandarin in flight and as a result, many are shot on accident. Mandarin ducks are not hunted for food, however they are still poached because their extreme beauty is prized

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