Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata), Tempe Town Lake, Maricopa County

This Mandarin Duck was photographed by Marceline VandeWater on 16 March 2016

Although the Mandarin is normally found in east Asia, it is prized by duck enthusiasts and is often found in captivity. Escapes can occasionally be found in Phoenix city parks, and elsewhere in Arizona, Mandarins can sometimes be found along Oak Creek and other Verde Valley sites. This individual has achieved a level of local celebrity, attracting birders and photographers to Tempe Town Lake.

The male Mandarin Duck has a large area of white on the head extending from the bill to the tip of the crest, along with chestnut cheeks and some really eye-catching accent feathers. Males are unmistakable, but females can be a challenge to differentiate from the similar Wood Duck.

16 March 2016, photo by Marceline VandeWater

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