In Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, about 80 mandarin ducklings that were born this year in Zhaolin Park are maturing as their feathers become fully fledged. Now they are practicing flipping their wings and flying on the lake as they prepare for the upcoming long-distance migration south.

Mandarin ducks are migrant birds. They are recognized as the "love bird" in Chinese culture because they usually appear in pairs. The male ducks have glamorously colored plumage, while the females and chicks look grayer.

Read more:

Birding in Beijing: Mandarin ducks fight for love

(Cover image via VCG)

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