Mandarin ducks typically are between 8-10 inches long and weigh between 1-3 pounds. 

Like most bird species, the males have a showier plumage than females, consisting of red, orange, purple, green and more. The males also tend to have “sail” feathers that are vertical on their back, and usually orange and cream colored.

The females are primarily grey and brown, and larger than the males.

The Mandarin duck requires habitats in dense temperate forests close to water areas such as swamps, rivers, and wetlands. During their breeding season they utilize cavities in trees to build nests. 

They can be found in southeastern Russia all the way through China to Japan and Korea. The Mandarin duck also has introduced populations in Europe and the United States.

Mandarin ducks tend to eat seeds and other plant matter (typically aquatic plants), but their diet will change with the seasons. In warmer months, they will eat insects and worms, as well as aquatic invertebrates.

Mandarin ducks are monogamous and go through showy courtship displays to find mates. They reproduce during April and May and nest in tree cavities at about 30 feet above ground. 

The female incubates the nest for 30 days, and there’s usually 9-12 eggs per nest. They become sexually mature at 1 year of age.

Despite having most of their population in China and Japan, these birds have a sustainable population in Britain.

The Mandarin duck is often regarded as the world’s most beautiful duck,  and is a symbol of love and fidelity in East Asia.