The recent sighting of Mandarin ducks in Maguri-Motapung beel, an area in Assam’s Tinsukia district, has raised a lot of excitement and curiosity. This bird species, considered to be one of the most beautiful ducks in the world, was spotted here after a century.
Scientific Exploration and Characteristics
The scientific name for the Mandarin duck is Aix galericulata. This ornate bird was first identified by the noted Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist named Carl Linnaeus in the year 1758. The male Mandarin ducks are known for their elaborate plumage which includes orange plumes on their cheeks, orange ‘sails’ on their back, and pale orange sides. In stark contrast, the females display a relatively duller appearance with grey heads, brown backs, and a distinct white eyestripe.
Dietary Habits and Habitat
In terms of diet, Mandarin ducks have a diverse food preference. They are found to feed on seeds, acorns, small fruits, insects, snails, and even small fish. As for their habitat, these birds inhabit temperate forests located close to wetland areas that encompass rivers, streams, bogs, marshes, swamps, and freshwater lakes. Though native to East Asia, Mandarin ducks have established populations in Western Europe and America as well. Their breeding grounds are spread across Russia, Korea, Japan, and northeastern parts of China.
The Rare Indian Visit
India does not fall in the usual migratory route of Mandarin ducks, hence their sightings are quite rare in the country. The earliest recorded arrival of this bird in India was back in 1902, next to the Dibru river in the Rongagora area of Tinsukia, Assam. Recent times have seen sporadic sightings like in Manipur’s Loktak Lake in 2013, and in Saatvoini Beel in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam’s Baksa district, in the year 2014.
Conservation Status
Currently, in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Mandarin duck is categorized under ‘Least Concern’. This implies that these birds are not currently facing significant decline or threats to their population.
About Maguri-Motapung Beel
Maguri-Motapung beel, a wetland area close to Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Upper Assam, is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society. This indicates the region’s significance in terms of biodiversity and conservation. However, in May 2020, an unfortunate incident of blowout and fire at a gas well owned by Oil India Limited severely affected this area. The resulting oil spill led to a significant loss of aquatic life, including fish, snakes, and even the endangered Gangetic dolphin.
