Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Red-breasted Merganser" Signed and dated lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on a First Day Cover for a Russia Duck stamp issued July 1, 1990. Unlike its cousin the larger Common Merganser, the Red-breasted Merganser is completely at home on saltwater, but in migration, this versatile duck also occurs regularly on freshwater. Mergansers are diving ducks, and the Red-breast is among the few ducks that use their wings as well as their feet to dive and maneuver under the water. Like other diving ducks, the Redbreast is entertaining to watch, one moment appearing to clown comically in its aquatic antics, the next moment seeming to perform a gracefully choreographed water ballet both above and below the water's surface. When it is not cavorting in the water, the Red-breast -- sometimes called the Sawbill due to the serrated edge of its upper mandible -- generally nests on the ground. Found in both the Soviet Union and the United States, the handsome Redbreast drake is quite a colorful bird with a greenish-black crested head, bright red eyes, and a thin red bill. This, in combination with dark upperparts, pale flanks and a salmon-pink breast readily distinguishes him from the gray body and bright cinnamon-brown head of his retiring hen. This hardy duck prefers colder climates, and is thus well-suited for the USSR's chilly weather. It usually breeds in the northern latitudes, coming south only when forced by extremely cold conditions. In its American habitat, in fact, the Red-breasted Merganser rarely winters farther south than North Carolina. Image Size: 6.75 x 5.75 in. Overall Size: 10 x 7.25 in. Unframed. (B12462) See More