The scaly-sided merganser or Chinese merganser is an endangered typical merganser. It lives in Manchuria and extreme Southeast Siberia, breeding in the north and wintering in the south.
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Amur–Ussuri basin of the Russian Far East and Northeast China, with small numbers in North Korea. In winter it moves south to eastern China, with some birds in South Korea and occasionally Japan. It favors clear, swift forested rivers with gravel and sand bars in the breeding season. In winter it uses broader lowland rivers, reservoirs, and sheltered estuaries, often where water remains unfrozen.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Chinese merganser, this striking duck breeds along clear, fast-flowing forest rivers and nests in large tree cavities near the water. It is highly sensitive to river disturbance and benefits from well-sited nest boxes. Major threats include logging of riparian forests, dam construction, sand/gravel extraction, and human disturbance on breeding rivers.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats, often low over water
Social Behavior
Typically breeds as dispersed pairs along river stretches, defending territories with suitable nest trees. Nests are placed in large cavities of old riparian trees; ducklings leap to the water soon after hatching and are led downstream by the female. Outside breeding, small flocks may form on wintering rivers.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; vocalizations include harsh croaks and grating calls, especially in flight or alarm. Males give soft whistles during courtship displays on the water.
