Sun Chuanzhe (Chinese, B. 1915) "Kingfisher" Stamped middle right. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. The brilliantly colored Kingfisher's breeding season provides some interesting events. First of all, the gallant male offers the female a fish, holding it with the head toward her. This symbolizes the Kingfisher's matrimonial bond and the pair soon begin to build a nest together. Their tiny feet work tirelessly until the nest chamber is done to their satisfaction. Then, the female lays anywhere from six to eight round, white eggs. Nineteen to twenty-one days later, the eggs hatch and the mother and father Kingfisher are kept busy feeding their new brood. On the very first day of life, young kingfishers require tiny fish. When their parents bring back a catch, the youngster nearest the door opens his bill. When he is fed, he moves to the end of the line and one of his siblings gets the next treat. After just a few days of this constant care, the young Kingfishers leave the nest and soon learn to fish for themselves. Even as adults, Kingfishers catch only the smallest fish. Generally, they beat these small fish on bushes and then swallow them head first. By eating only the smallest fish, Kingfishers help to control overstocked feeding grounds. Image Size: 13.25 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 15 x 15 in. Unframed. (B08648)