A dazzling Far Easterner at home in the West

PERHAPS the best-known of all exotic duck species is the mandarin duck (Aix galericulata). Although it is uniquely eye-catching, it has been common in bird collections, probably for as long as they have existed. As a result, it is sometimes taken for granted and may be most appreciated by the casual observer.

This duck is midway in size between a teal and a wigeon and belongs to a two-species genus of perching ducks. Its congener is the slightly larger and also very attractive Carolina duck, better known in the USA as the wood duck (A. sponsa), another long-time waterfowl favourite.

Males of both species have similar body shapes. The mandarin is brighter and more colourful, and sports