Mandarin Duck
The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a perching duck species native to the East Palearctic. In North America, mandarin ducks are primarily found in California, where the birds originally became established in Sonoma County. This particular duck was photographed in Kirkland, Washington. Like wood ducks, mandarin ducks are cavity nesters and will use wood duck nest boxes, but there doesn't appear to be significant competition between these species. The estimated global population of the Mandarin duck is 65,000-66,000. The Mandarin duck is a relatively rare bird and hence it has a small population.
