Mandarin drakes and ducks, which have been introduced in Europe and the United States, are native to East Asia. Because they usually mate long-term or for life, the birds are symbols of fidelity and marital bliss in Japan and China.
The mandarin drake "possesses an amazing and bizarre plumage which makes him one of the most beautiful and striking ducks—indeed one of the most beautiful birds—in the world." So says Christopher Lever, an eminent British conservationist and one of the world's leading authorities on mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata).
His statement begs a footnote. A mandarin drake hoping to mate is definitely a looker—but after he's achieved that goal? Not so much. (See National Geographic's backyard bird identifier.)In Europe drakes sport what Lever calls "full breeding finery" in fall: green-and-copper head, purple breast, rust-colored ruff, orange-gold wings. Through the winter the courting male will preen, shake, and flash those feathers to entice the duller-hued female to mate.
By April or May the connubial deed is done, and the duck lays 9 to 12 eggs. (See "Beyond Testicles and Dads: 5 Legit Studies of Male 'Gear.'")
Dropping their come-hither feathers leaves drakes in what's called "eclipse plumage." Having also shed their primary wing feathers, they're temporarily flightless, so their drab looks serve as helpful camouflage from would-be predators.
As fall returns, the ugly-duck phase passes. Drakes suit up once more in nuptial plumage and go looking for love.
