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| credit: AP |
No, not a high Chinese official assigned to the UN, but the little duck attracting big attention in Central Park. New Yorkers appreciate flair and even a little bling, but this kaleidoscopic duck resembles modern art with his flashy display. The male Mandarin is most likely an escapee from a private collection; they are native to east Asia. Photographers and gawkers have been gathering for months for a glimpse of the exotic Aix galericulata. In terms of crowd, appeal it out performs our own native colorist, the wood duck, to which it is closely related. An admirer said the mandarin resembled a "living box of crayons", brightening the environs of a predominantly grey cityscape in winter.
This week the duck, who has a streak of showmanship, chose to display in front of the iconic Plaza Hotel where he was sure to attract a big audience. He wowed them: preening his vibrant sunset array, strutting his assets upon the banks, or gliding regally across his adopted pond. The Asian duck is not intimidated by the locals either, taking pecks at the other waterfowl as deemed necessary. His carefree attitude has enraptured hardened New Yorkers. In traditional Chinese culture mandarins are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity, and are frequently featured in Chinese art. If he rolls the dice right, this little mandarin will live to hybridize with the wood ducks, mallards, northern pintails, and black ducks that also call Gotham's Central Park home.