A small flock of mandarin ducks was spotted in the northwest Fujian village of Zhongxi by a Xinhua News Agency journalist on Nov 30. Amongst monotonous winter colors, the ducks' gorgeous plumage certainly stands out.

Wild mandarin ducks cruise along a creek. [Photo by Peng Zhangqing/Xinhua]

Every year, the wild ducks migrate to the Zhongxi village, nestled in a hilly basin, to spend the winter months. The region has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 16.8 degrees centigrade and, consequently, the valley remains green and habitable for ducks.

Wild mandarin ducks take a rest on tree branches in a waterside forest. [Photo by Peng Zhangqing/Xinhua]

Native to East Asia, including, China, Japan, Korea, and southeast Russia, mandarin ducks have been exported all over the world and now boast large populations in Europe and North America.

Wild mandarin ducks splash off from Fujian waters. [Photo by Peng Zhangqing/Xinhua]