※ In Japanese, “Oshidori(= Mandarin duck) fufu(=couple)” refers to a happily married couple.
Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about the Mandarin duck, a colorful bird that lives in the lakes and marshes of Japan. Despite their beautiful appearance, they have a surprising side!
Mandarin ducks are about 45 cm in length. They breed in tree hollows in forests and are commonly seen in tree-surrounded ponds and rivers during autumn and winter. They are especially known for their stunning beauty among waterfowl. The males, in particular, are characterized by their colorful and vibrant feathers, including distinctive leaf-shaped “sails” on their back.
However, this vivid plumage is limited to the breeding season, and in summer, the males change to a more subdued color, similar to the females. Unlike other duck species, Mandarin duck males transform into their flashy appearance from autumn and try to win over females with their courtship dances. By autumn, they have already transformed, and by the time it gets cold, pairs have formed.
The reason males are so beautiful is that attractive males, resembling their fathers, are more likely to be chosen by multiple females. On the other hand, females have a more subdued appearance, which helps them avoid predators and live longer.
The term “Oshidori fufu” was coined from the name “Oshidori(=Mandarin duck),” but in reality, these ducks practice polygamy. That is, they are together only during mating season. Once the female chooses a nesting site and begins egg-laying, the pair bond ends. The male then leaves to pair up with other females. Males follow females during the mating season to protect them from other males. Furthermore, only the female takes care of the young, and the ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching.
Thus, contrary to their beautiful appearance, Mandarin ducks have a complex ecology. Their charm lies not only in their colors but also in their unique way of life. See you next time!
