Canvasback

canvasback

Species

1. PhylumChordata
2. ClassAves
3. OrderAnseriformes
4. FamilyAnatidae

Habitatmarine, brackish, freshwater

Although this duck’s rufous-red is one of its most striking field marks, the male Canvasback is not the only duck in North America with this pattern of coloration. In many parts of its range, this species occurs side by side with the closely-related Redhead (Aythya americana), and a couple field marks must be noted in order to distinguish the two. The Canvasback is slightly larger (20-24 inches), has a longer bill, and is much lighter on the back and flanks. Males have a red head and white body (resembling a sheet of blank canvas from a distance), while females are mostly light grayish-brown. The Canvasback breeds primarily in the northern Great Plains, the northern Rockies, western Canada, and Alaska. Most Canvasback populations migrate south in winter to the southern two-thirds of the United States and into Mexico. In its wintering range, this species is more common inland than the Redhead. Canvasbacks breed in lakes, ponds, marshes and bays. In winter, this species utilizes similar habitats as it does during the breeding season. In summer, Canvasbacks eat both aquatic plants and animals, such as small insects and mollusks; in winter, they feed primarily on plant matter, particul

via IUCN

Wikidata facts