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Mandarin duck
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Aix galericulata (Mandarin duck)
Physical Description: In full plumage, the male has a pair of "sail" feathers that are raised vertically above the back, a crest of orange and cream feathers, and a broad white eye-stripe that is bounded above and below by darker feathers. The female is duller in colour and has an overall grey appearance marked by a curving white stripe behind the eye and a series of white blotches on the underpants. In flight, both sexes display a bluish-green iridescent speculum.
Habitat: The Mandarin lives in the forests of China and Japan. They prefer wooded ponds and fast flowing rocky streams to swim, wade, and feed in.
Reproduction: Mandarin courtship display is very impressive and includes mock-drinking and shaking. Pairs are formed at the beginning of the winter and may continue for many seasons. Although the female chooses the exact nesting site, the male accompanies the female on nest searches. Nest are always in a hole in a tree and can be up to thirty feet from the ground. In preparation for egg laying, the female lines the nest is with down. Clutch sizes range from nine to twelve white oval eggs that are laid at daily intervals. Incubation is solely performed by the female and last between 28 and 30 days. When all the eggs are hatched (they hatch within a few hours of each other), the mother calls to the chicks from the ground. Each chick then crawls out of the hole and launches itself into a free fall. Amazingly, all the chicks land unhurt and are en route to the nearest feeding ground. Once the chicks are able to fly (after 40-45 days), they leave to join a new flock.
Conservation Status: Destruction of habitat has had a severe impact on the oriental populations of Mandarins. In 1911, the Tung Ling forest, a Mandarin stronghold, was opened up for settlement and thereafter forests were cleared. By 1928 few sufficient breeding areas remained. The current Asian population may be under 20,000 birds. One factor that has helped the Mandarin to survive is their bad taste. These ducks are not hunted for food.
The above obtained from http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aix_galericulata.html
IMAGE INFORMATION
Camera: Canon 20D
Time of day: 15:00 p.m.
Date: 21st October 2007
Weather conditions: Clear
Lens: Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
Extender: Canon EF 1.4X II
Filter: Hoya 77mm UV
Shutter Speed: 1/160
F-Stop: F/7.1
Focal Length: 280mm
ISO: 100
Original file type: Digital Raw |
Alex99, medio has marked this note useful
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- Alex99
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3599 W: 143 N: 5697]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(18625) - [2007-12-16 0:57]
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Hi Pam.
I like your very nice portrait of this charming duck. Your have reproduced it with great details. Plumage is reflected perfectly. We can examine every feather separately. Composition is blameless and BG is unique and very impressive too. Well done and TFS.
Alexei.
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- mariki
(9467)
- [2007-12-16 1:31]
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Hello Pam,
Very nice portrait of this cute duck. Good POV, light and wonderful colours.
Welle done,
Cheers,
Mariki
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- medio
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 27 W: 2 N: 35]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-s.gif)
(181) - [2007-12-16 6:54]
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Hi Pam,
A picture is very beautiful and very natural approach the frame I like very much good foreground.
Greetings Jose
Hi Pam, superb portrait of a splendid bird with wonderful colors, great details and excellent sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio
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- Debz
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 516 W: 0 N: 846]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(3307) - [2007-12-18 14:13]
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Hi Pam, a fine portrait of this very handsome and proud duck. Your details, point of focus and exposure wonderful. All ncie and sharp with vibrant colours and perfect dof.
tfs
debz
