Most Colorful Birds on the Planet (And Where to Find Them)

4. Mandarin Duck
Latin name: Aix galericulata
Unique colorful feature: Golden body with purple breast
Where they are found: East Asia
Size: Length: 16 to 18 inches (41 to 49 cm); Weight: 0.94 to 1.5 pounds (0.42 to 0.68 kg); Wingspan: 26 to 30 inches 65 to 75 cm)
Diet: worms, mollusks, small fish, insects, and water plants

Native to China and Japan, this species is regarded as the symbol of love and fidelity in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures due to the ducks’ monogamous habits.

The male is quite chivalrous as he often guards the female while she incubates their clutch of 9 to 12 eggs.

However, even if you aren’t into all that mushy stuff, you will appreciate the stunning beauty of the mandarin duck which features a combination of brilliant colors that include gold, green, blue, white and purple.

While some populations of this species have been released or escaped into Europe, Russia, and North America, the mandarin duck prefers lakes and marshy areas where it can feed on worms, mollusks, small fish, insects, and water plants.

On November 1st, 2018, the mandarin duck was spotted in New York’s central park.