Mandarin Duck Season — River Exe Devon England
The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) — introduced to England from China and now naturalised, the male's extraordinary plumage (the sail feathers, the orange-red bill, the white eye stripe, and the vivid chestnut 'sails' raised beside the body) making it the world's most ornately plumaged duck — is most reliably observed at the River Exe between Exeter and Tiverton in February and March when the drakes' full breeding plumage coincides with the courtship display season. The River Exe population of 40–60 birds is the most accessible in England, and the combination of the mandarin's extraordinary appearance, the display behaviour (head-dipping, wing-flapping, and the raised sail display visible from the riverside footpath), and the Exe valley's scenic quality creates one of England's finest accessible ornamental waterfowl encounters in a genuinely wild riverside setting.
About this spectacle
On a crisp February or March morning along the River Exe between Bickleigh and Tiverton, visitors are treated to one of Britain's most visually striking wildlife encounters. Male mandarin ducks — their plumage almost impossibly ornate — patrol the quiet stretches of river, the vivid orange sail feathers raised beside their bodies, white eye-stripes gleaming, and brick-red bills catching the low winter light. The courtship display is the main event: drakes bob their heads, lift their extraordinary sail feathers, and flap their wings in theatrical bursts aimed at attracting females. The Exe valley population of 40–60 birds means sightings are frequent rather than lucky. The riverside footpath allows observers to approach at eye level, watching from the bank as ducks drift through reflections of alder and willow. The combination of the birds' almost surreal beauty, their active display behaviour, and the peaceful Devon valley setting creates an experience that feels both genuinely wild and unexpectedly accessible — one of England's finest cold-season wildlife rewards.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Feb — Mar
Getting there
Nearest airport: EXT. Nearest city: Exeter.
Booking options
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