text: Mandarin Duck in Mosvannet lake, Stavanger, Norway. The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata), or just Mandarin, is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. It is 41-49 cm long with a 65-75 cm wingspan. The adult male is a striking and unmistakable bird. The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but the destruction of habitats have reduced the populations. Specimens frequently escape from collections, and may be seen as far north as Scandinavia.