The Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species native to the East Palearctic. It is closely related to the North American Wood duck , the only other member of the genus Aix. 'Aix' is an Ancient Greek word that was used by Aristotle to refer to an unknown diving bird, and 'galericulata' is the Latin for a wig, derived from galerum, a cap, or bonnet. Mandarin ducks , called yuan-yang by the Chinese, are featured often in Oriental art and regarded as symbols of conjugal fidelity ... The Mandarin Duck is a colorful waterfowl seen especially in parks and zoos. They live near lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, feeding on seeds, insects, and plants. They nest in trees unlike most ducks and use hollow trunks for shelter. Some have escaped captivity and formed small wild populations although they are not native. Characteristics of Mandarin Duck These birds have quite interesting physical and behavioral characteristics that distinguishes it from other birds. The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), is a beautiful bird that is native to China, Japan, and Siberia. It is a close relative of the North American wood duck . White Mandarin Ducks In captivity, you can also see a variety of color mutations among mandarin ducks . The most common of these mutations is the white mandarin duck . This mutation probably came from constantly breeding related birds and selective breeding. Still, the exact cause of the mutation is unknown.
