Mandarin duck

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/mandarin-duck

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Mandarin duck?Length: 41–49 cm (16–19 in); Wingspan: 65–75 cm (26–30 in)
2. What is the scientific name?Aix galericulata
3. What is the diet?Omnivore; consumes acorns, seeds, aquatic plants, insects, snails, small fish, and amphibians
4. What does a male Mandarin duck look like?The male, called a drake, has bright iridescent greens, blues, purples, and oranges. It has long sail feathers on its back, a crest on its head, and a chestnut chest with white borders.
5. Why do male and female Mandarin ducks look so different?Males are bright to attract mates, while females are dull and mottled to hide while they nest.

Sexual dimorphism: Phenotypic variation between males and females of the same species, evident in plumage and size.
East Palearctic: A biogeographical realm encompassing East Asia, including temperate and subtropical zones.
Perching duck: A type of duck adapted for nesting in tree cavities, characterized by strong feet and claws.
Introduced species: A non-native species that has been deliberately or accidentally introduced into a new environment.