Monsieur Iris Explained

(c) Piotr Woźniak

Monsieur Iris is quite handsome drake, we have to agree.
This lovely duck is Mandarin (Aix galericulata). Originates from Asia (eastern Russia, China, Japan), was imported to Europe in XVIIIth century as a decorative fowl. Evaders from collections had planted in city parks - that's how European population started.
Currently they are rare - according to Wikipedia there's only about 7000 pairs in Asia and a bit more than 1000 pairs in Europe, mostly in Britain.
I can't say how many is here. Probably there is about 20 - 30 pairs in Warsaw's parks. Mandarins are under strict protection in Poland.
In China Mandarins are symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity.

(c) Beata Sobolewska-Woźniak

(c) Beata Sobolewska-Woźniak