A multi-coloured mandarin duck has become an unlikely celebrity in New York City, drawing crowds of bird-watchers and social media users to Central Park. The male duck, known for its vibrant plumage, was first spotted on 10 October when a video shared by Manhattan Bird Alert on Twitter went viral.
The species, native to east Asia, has sparked speculation about its origins. A small tag on its leg led many to suspect it escaped from a private owner, though Central Park Zoo confirmed it does not belong to them. It is illegal to keep a duck as a pet in New York City.
Social media has been abuzz with the duck's colourful appearance, featuring a purple and blue mohawk, pink bill, and orange 'sail' feathers. The hashtag #MandarinDuck has been used in over 19,200 posts on Instagram. Bird-watchers and photographers have flocked to the park to capture the 'rock star' duck, with some describing it as 'the hottest bachelor in NYC'.
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation welcomed the duck with a video, calling it the city's 'hottest celebrity'. Artistic tributes have also emerged online, cementing the duck's status as a social media phenomenon.
