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The duck got an interesting name because of its origin and interesting color. This bird is rightfully considered the most beautiful among the seabes. Apparently, nature created this bird because it was very inspired. But we will not depart from the main point, because today we consider everything that affects individuals of the presented species. Birds have long been considered favorites, so they cannot be ignored.
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China is considered the birthplace of birds, it was there that in honor of Chinese officials of tangerines, this individual got its name. It's all about the color of the case and interesting behavior.
The Chinese devoted so much time to the birds, settled them in artificially created and natural water sources, that mandarin ducks completely sunk into their souls. The bird, was a symbol of prosperity, successfully existed in the gardens of the elite.
Today, these individuals are common in the Far East, as well as in the east of Asia. Some of them spend winter time in Taiwan and China. The largest flocks can be found in Japan and England. Among these birds, migration is considered quite normal.
In the vastness of our homeland, they settled in the Khabarovsk Territory, on Sakhalin, in the Amur basin. They live in almost all major zoos in Russia and Europe. The main thing is that the winter is warm and comfortable for these individuals.
As for the number, they are found in the amount of 50,000 goals. This is approximately 25,000 pairs. In our country, out of the listed number of tangerines, the most is about 16,000 pairs.
Description
Birds of male gender are bright and colorful. Since males do not hatch eggs, they do not need to disguise themselves as an environment, which cannot be said about females with their dull appearance.
Mandarin ducks by their natural features are very kind, sociable, interesting birds. They prefer to settle in flocks in the winter, and when heat sets in, they break up in pairs.
These birds have enemies in their natural surroundings. These include the otter, ferret, mink, and raccoon dogs. Birds are threatened due to large-scale catch and export.
Another enemy is the hunter, who, directing his gun at a bird soaring in the sky, cannot immediately recognize a mandarin in it. If we add to these factors enormous deforestation, then it is easy to understand why the population is declining.
The individuals of the presented pedigree variety are of particular benefit to society. They live in gardens and parks, they also get along well with ducks of other breeds swimming near people. Bright and beautiful, they became the favorites of regular visitors to squares and gardens.
Food
Birds eat different foods, the diet depends on the time of year. In the summer they eat frogs, worms, mollusks, small fish. In winter and autumn, they prefer plant food, eating acorns and crops.
In spring, the menu becomes mixed. Mandarin ducks use snails, seeds, insects, horsetail shoots and other crops. Birds prefer to eat at dusk or at dawn.The rest of the day they are near water sources and on top of trees.
Breeding
Birds reach puberty after one year of age. When the mating season begins, the males with great activity try to please the females. They whistle, grunt, fully reveal their colored tail, brush their feathers on their beloved, and try to win her love with all their might.
It is due to marriage rituals and the relationship of these individuals among themselves that the Chinese believe that the tangerine promises a successful marriage and love. In all houses there are statuettes of these birds, symbolizing prosperity and loyalty. These birds pair for life.
The female individual independently chooses a place for the future construction of the nest, all this time the male does not depart from it. Tangerines build a dwelling in a dense forest, where there are ponds or lakes. They prefer to inhabit and hatch eggs at a height of 5 to 10 m.
The future mother warms the house for posterity with her own down so that it is always warm. The male only protects the female in the incubation period when she hatches the eggs. But he himself does not do this.
The female lays up to 10 eggs during the week, so the babies are born with a certain short interval. When the last egg is laid, their hatching begins.
The incubation period can be up to a month. Every day the mother of the future offspring loses its color of plumage in order to get as close to the environment as possible. When the kids are born and grow stronger, parents take them to the pond and begin to closely engage in education.
Many experienced poultry farmers successfully breed tangerines. Such ducks get along as pets without any problems. Often the owners are engaged in breeding birds just for their own pleasure. Individuals have a unique and very beautiful appearance.
It is worth noting an interesting fact that although such birds belong to the family of ducks, in the wild hybrids with other birds were not seen. The fact is that in the considered individuals the structure of the chromosomes remains unchanged. That is why it is impossible to meet a mixture of tangerines with other individuals.
Mandarin duck as a symbol of well-being
In Southeast Asia, the considered individuals are considered to be a symbol of a happy marriage and love. If you study the ancient Chinese legend, it is worth noting that the official decided to part with his wife. He did not know how to tell her such news. To refresh his thoughts, he went to rest in the pond.
After some deliberation, ducks caught his eye. The official was surprised at how the birds showed feelings for each other. Ducks always swam together, snuggled and scrubbed feathers. Looking at this, the adviser realized how much he loves his wife. His heart melted. It is because of this legend that tangerines are believed to be the saviors of marriage.
Therefore, it is recommended to hang pictures in the house or put figures with the image of tangerines. As a result, family relationships will improve significantly. The partners have a feeling of euphoria and greater affection. To this day, in China, the newlyweds are given a pair of tangerines for a wedding. Ducks bring prosperity and good luck to the family.
Interesting Facts
- It is worth noting the amazing fact that there is a white mandarin duck. Such an individual appeared due to the selection of scientists. They are constantly trying to develop new species of birds. White tangerine is considered very rare.
- The duck in question takes off almost vertically. At the same time, it maneuvers between the trees without any problems. Ducks fly very easily.
- Mandarin ducks are the only individuals in the world that do not interbreed with relatives. The bottom line is that the birds in question have a completely different set of chromosomes.
- If you keep the ducks at home, they do not always lay eggs and leave early.In this case, the offspring should be transferred to the incubator.
- In the wild, tangerines nest every time in a new place. Therefore, they always have to deal with the construction of the nest.
- Unlike relatives, the considered individuals are the only ones who squeak. They don’t know how to quack.
- During the mating season, the male acquires an incredible color. As a result, this color persists for a long time. After the mating season, the drake begins to molt.
- It is worth noting that such individuals have rather strong wings. It is thanks to them that birds rise vertically without any problems.
- Tangerines are not one of those bird species that love to dive. In a similar way they arrive only in extreme cases. Often ducks simply glide on the water.
Tangerines are amazing ducks that are not at all like their counterparts. Such birds are considered almost holy. In various countries with a rich ancient culture, you can find many legends that mention the mandarin. Ducks have incredible beauty.
Video: Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)
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