Habitat
Mountainous areas, along rivers with tall riverine forest, mainly within the temperate conifer-broadleaf forest zone. Largely confined to primary forests, with an abundance of potential nest-holes.
China (mainland) (B) (NB), Japan (NB), Myanmar (NB), North Korea (B), Russia (Asian) (B), South Korea (NB), Taiwan (China) (NB), Thailand (NB), Vietnam (E).
Extreme south-eastern Siberia, north-eastern China and northern Korea.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 1,000 - 2,499 (2010) and decreasing.
Scaly-sided Merganser (Mergus squamatus) [XC435910]
by id from Bishui National Nature Reserve area (2), Heilongjiang, China (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Male Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) has white collar and rufous breast and lacks heavy scaling on flanks. Female also lacks scaling.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet