Mandarin Duck

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Mandarin Duck in the UK

An introduced resident, native to East Asia. Birds escaped or were released from collections and became established in the wild during the 20th century. The first British record was in Berkshire in 1866. The most recent estimate, for 2007 to 2011, was about 4,400 breeding pairs and 14,000 birds in winter, and numbers have grown since: the breeding index rose by 663% between 1995 and 2024. Most are in England, with smaller numbers in Scotland and few in Wales.

Where and when to see a Mandarin Duck

Wooded lakes, ponds and slow rivers with overhanging trees. Strongholds include Surrey, Berkshire and the Windsor Great Park area around Virginia Water, the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, where Cannop Ponds is a well-known site, and many wooded valleys in the Midlands and northern England. Look early in the morning, under branches at the water's edge. From autumn to early spring birds gather in flocks and the males are in full colour.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Wooded ponds, sluggish rivers.
Diet: Acorns, seeds, insects.
Field note: Male is the gaudiest UK duck.

How to identify a Mandarin Duck

Smaller than a Mallard. The male cannot be mistaken: a red bill, a broad white band over the eye, orange 'whiskers' on the cheeks, a purple breast with two white bars, and a pair of upright orange 'sails' on the back. The female is grey-brown with a white ring round the eye that runs back in a thin line, and rows of pale spots on the flanks. Males in summer moult look like females but keep the red bill. It perches readily on branches.

Call and song

Fairly quiet. Males give a sharp, rising whistle in display. Females call with a short, clucking 'kett' or 'ack', often in flight through trees. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Wood Duck: Female Wood Duck, an occasional escape, has a broader white teardrop round the eye and a darker, glossier head.

Related guide UK winter wildfowl.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Mandarin Duck is an Uncommon tier bird, worth +3 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Little GrebeUncommon · Ponds
• Egyptian GooseUncommon · Parkland lakes
• GoosanderUncommon · Upland rivers
• Great Black-backed GullUncommon · Coast
• KingfisherUncommon · Slow clean rivers
• Red KiteUncommon · Farmland

Mandarin Duck: quick answers

Where can I see a Mandarin Duck in the UK?

Wooded ponds in southern and central England give the best chance. Virginia Water in Surrey and Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean are reliable. Many town parks with mature trees now hold a pair or two, so it is worth checking local lakes in winter.

What does a Mandarin Duck eat?

Seeds and nuts in autumn and winter, with acorns, beech mast and sweet chestnuts high on the list. In spring and summer it takes more insects, snails and water plants. Birds often feed on the woodland floor well away from water.

What habitat does Mandarin Duck live in?

Fresh water surrounded by old broadleaved trees. It nests in tree holes, sometimes several metres up, and will use nest boxes. The ducklings jump to the ground within a day or so of hatching and walk to water.

Kit that helps

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