A recent report of Mandarin Duck on Cascade Res. in central Idaho prompted
me to send this note to the Idaho birding list and presumably the same
applies to the report from the Everret area.

Mandarin Ducks are frequent escapes from private waterfowl collections. Very
striking and interesting birds to observe but most likely of suspect origin.
I believe this is the only other species in the genus Aix along with our
native Wood Duck.

I'm not sure why this has not been commented on by other more regular
posters on tweeters - presumably since they are being reported it is not
well known in all quarters. As far as I am aware most Mandarin Ducks
reported in the lower 48 states are presumed to be feral (are there even any
accepted reports of legitimate vagrants in Alaska??). Are they becoming
established as a feral population? Apparentley there is an established feral
population in the U.K. No doubt the Wood Ducks do not need the competition!
Is there more information out there of their status in North America?

thanks, Charles.


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Charles E. Swift
Moscow, ID, USA
charless at moscow.com
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