Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulata

Mandarin Ducks are native to East Asia and are now a long-established feral breeder in the UK. They are instantly recognisable and the only other bird like it is the Wood Duck of North America. The female is more drab than the male, being mostly grey and brown, but still striking. Sadly, the feral UK population is nearly equal to that of the wild population in China, Russia and Japan. Unlike most European native ducks, Mandarin Ducks breed in tree hollows from which the ducklings have to jump down from. They are medium-sized ducks at 47-54 cm in length.
 

1: 1-2: Sandhurst Balancing Pond, Berkshire, 30/01/2006.