The male has the most elaborate and ornate plumage with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks. The female is dull by comparison with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks. They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity.
Key ID Features:
Unmistakeable colourful medium sized duck, the male of which is ornately patterned in a multitude of hues.
Males distinctive features include orange whiskered cheeks, raised sail like panels over the rump, white barring on the sides of the iridescent dark breast, a white head stripe and eye ring, orangey flanks and a bright red, white tipped bill.
Yellow legged females are more subdued in olive greys and mottled browns only adorned with green wing patches and a white eye ring extending in a stripe towards the nape.
Overview
Scientific name: Aix galericulata
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Main population is in south, central and eastern England, but small numbers occur in Wales, Northern England and Scotland. Likes lakes with plenty of overhanging trees and bushes.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects, vegetation and seeds.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Shearwater, Wiltshire
Photographer: Tim Tapley
