Ivan Kozlov (B. 1937) "Chinese Merganser - 1996 Russia Duck Conservation Presentation Cover" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the 1996 USSR Conservation of Waterfowl stamp issued September 1, 1996. Many details concerning the Chinese Merganser remain a mystery to ornithologists. Inhabiting areas of southeastern Russia, this duck is a reluctant and poor flier. A resident bird, it remains non-migratory except in severe weather conditions, when it has been spotted in China and Korea. The Chinese Merganser is about the same size as the Red-breasted Merganser. It has a similar, but longer, dark green, spiky crest on its head. The Chinese Merganser drake is distinguished from the male Red-breasted Merganser by its plumage. Its nickname is the "Scaly Merganser" for its unique scaly pattern of black markings. The Chinese Merganser lacks the dark chest and gray body of the Red-breast. It has instead a bold white chest and belly, with black scales on its flanks. The female resembles the male with grayer scaling and a brown head and crest. The nostrils are midway on the bill of the Chinese Merganser, whereas they are close to the base of the bill on the Red-breast. The Chinese Merganser maintains the same diet as other Mergansers, feeding mostly on small fish. Known to be shy and wary, Chinese Mergansers reside in remote areas, preferring habitats near narrow, fast-flowing rivers and streams with adjacent forests. Although little is known about the breeding habits of this waterfowl, nests have been found in holes and hollows of dead, rotting trees near the water. There are no accurate estimates of the Chinese Merganser population, but the species is known to be rare. Image Size: 6.75 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 9 x 11.25 in. Unframed. (B15532)