Rare opportunity to see mandarin ducks when visiting Ba Be Lake in spring

(Dan Tri) - In the early days of Spring, tourists visiting Ba Be Lake ( Bac Kan ) have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful birds in the world when mandarin ducks migrate from the North to Vietnam to avoid winter.

From mid-February to the end of March is a short period of time when spring tourists have the opportunity to watch mandarin ducks while taking a boat tour at Ba Be Lake.

This is a rare migratory bird in the wild in Vietnam, mainly moving from the North (Southeast of China) to large freshwater lakes in Vietnam to avoid winter.

The Mandarin Duck ( Aix Galericulata) is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the Carolina Duck, native to North America. Adults measure 41–49 cm in length and have a wingspan of 65–75 cm.

In the wild, mandarin ducks breed in wooded areas near shallow ponds, lakes, and marshes. They nest in tree cavities, close to water, and are found mainly in the lowlands of eastern China and southern Japan.

The male (also known as the guan) has unmistakable colorful plumage, a red bill, a large white crescent above the eye, and a red face and "whiskers". The breast is purple with two vertical white stripes, the flanks are reddish brown, with two orange sail-like tufts of feathers on the back.

Female (also called female) with white ring around eye and stripe running back from eye, but fading, has small white stripe on flank and pale bill tip.

With its characteristic size and brilliant colors, mandarin ducks are considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world today.

This bird is considered a symbol of fidelity and deep loyalty. Because they live in pairs for life, they sleep together, eat together and are rarely seen apart (except when the female incubates the eggs).

During this time, visitors to Ba Be Lake also have the opportunity to see the yellow-headed duck (scientific name: Anas penelope), a migratory bird that is rarer than mandarin ducks in Vietnam.

Ba Be Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam with an area of 500 hectares, along with a 10,000-hectare primeval forest that exhibits biodiversity, attracting many species of wild animals and birds to reside.

Dantri.com.vn

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