The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species native to the
East Palearctic. It is medium-sized, at 41–49 cm (16–19 in) long with a 65–75 cm (26–30 in) wingspan. It is closely related to the North American wood duck, the only other member of the genus Aix. Aix is an Ancient Greek word which 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.[2]
Mandarin duckMale and female mandarin ducks at Martin Mere, UKConservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]Scientific classificationKingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataClass:AvesOrder:AnseriformesFamily:AnatidaeGenus:AixSpecies:A. galericulataBinomial nameAix galericulata
(Linnaeus, 1758)The native range of the mandarin duck, and parts of its introduced range where it is established breeding Breeding Native resident Migrant Winter visitor Introduced residentSynonyms
East Palearctic. It is medium-sized, at 41–49 cm (16–19 in) long with a 65–75 cm (26–30 in) wingspan. It is closely related to the North American wood duck, the only other member of the genus Aix. Aix is an Ancient Greek word which 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.[2]