The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) is a close relative of the North American Wood Duck. These small waterfowl are known for their colorful appearance, cultural significance, and elaborate courting rituals.

The male Mandarin Duck is one of the world’s most beautiful duck breeds and one of the easiest to identify. Its stunning colors have been a favorite subject in oriental art throughout the ages. Males sport a long blue, green and copper crest.  A white area of feathers curve around its dark eyes, and tapers to a thin line at the tip of his crest. The rest of his face is a buff-orange which extends down into the orange-gold feathers to form a mane around its neck. The male Mandarin Duck has mainly olive-brown feathers on his upper parts and tail, and a purple colored breast.