Mandarin Duck

17th September 2023 - there have been a number of Mandarin Duck around Granta Park this year, and some are believed to have successfully bred.  

Andy M spotted these four around the lake recently.  Now the breeding season is over, the males have lost their flamboyant plumage, and now look very similar the females, although the males keep their red bills.

Mandarin Duck - one male, three females

Female Mandarin Duck

Male Mandarin Duck. Note the white trailing edge and small blue-green patch

(speculum) visible on the wings when in flight

Female Mandarin Duck