Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Crested Shelduck" Signed and dated ('95) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for Russia/U.S. Duck Conservation, issued September 1, 1995. One of Russia's most colorful waterfowl, the Baikal Teal derives its common name from the scenic Baikal Lake where this species breeds. Its scientific name, Anas formosa, does not refer to the island of Formosa where this duck winters, but rather to the Latin word for "beautiful." And the Baikal Teal lives up to its name. The adult male in breeding plumage displays a buff breast, gray flanks and a buff and brown back, presenting a striking contrast to its head -- a harlequin pattern of green, black and yellow separated by a narrow white border. The female is similar in appearance to the female green-winged teal and garganey, and features mottled brown and buff plumage and a distinctive eye stripe. Both sexes are typically larger and stockier than other teal species. The Baikal Teal is native to eastern Eurasia and is a casual spring migrant to Bering Sea islands of western Alaska. This duck breeds across northeastern Siberia as far as the Kamchatka peninsula from mid-May to July. The Baikal Teal builds its ground nest among waterside vegetation in marshes and river deltas near tundra. The female alone incubates six to nine pale green eggs. Because this duck's breeding season is so short, the female may begin molting even before the brood is fully grown. In winter, this duck is found in southern Japan and in eastern China and Formosa, where it enjoys a variety of freshwater habitats, including lowland lakes, flooded fields, meadows, slow rivers and the brackish waters of estuarian marshes. Image Size: 6.5 x 9.25 in. Overall Size: 10.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B15187)