Nature
2019.09.20 14:07 GMT+8

Mandarin ducks encourage the young to leave the nest

Updated 2019.09.20 14:07 GMT+8
CGTN

Adult and young mandarin ducks are seen flying from their nests in the woods of Zhaolin Park, Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

Mandarin ducks usually make habitats in the areas surrounding water bodies, like marshes, swamps, lagoons and water meadows. When they're laying eggs, they move into holes in trees where it is warm and safe. 

Mandarin ducks at Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

Mandarin ducks at Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

A young mandarin duck is seen in the woods in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

A young mandarin duck is seen in the woods in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.. /VCG Photo

Mandarin ducks flying in the woods in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

Mandarin ducks flying in the woods in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

Mandarin ducks at its nest in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

Mandarin ducks seen in Zhaolin Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. /VCG Photo

Female mandarin ducks are the primary caregivers of ducklings. Fathers are usually absent; they might stick around the nest during the initial egg-laying stages. 

Shortly after the ducklings' hatch, the mother ducks fly down to the ground and encourage their young to follow suit. After one to two days, the baby mandarin ducks could be seen following their mothers to feed, swim and dive.

(All images via VCG)

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