Saturday, April 4, 2009

Mandarin Duck - Mandarinente

The Mandarin Duck (Mandarinente) is a beautiful and unmistakable duck. Similar to Wood Ducks, they nest in dense forests inside hollow tree cavities, which the babies must jump out of when their mom decides it's time to go. Native to Asia, these ducks can be found throughout Europe, where escapees from private bird collectors established feral populations. The ducks photographed here were found in Munich's English Garden. The male was eating grass and other plants, while the female was gobbling up big earthworms laying on the damp grass.




See also: 11 Spectacular Bird Photos by David Hemmings

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