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What is a Canvasback Duck?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

A canvasback duck, scientific name Aythya valisineria, is a large duck with distinctive markings that include a light colored back. It is native to North America, living mainly on ponds, wetlands, and lakes, and it migrates on a seasonal basis. It is also known as a diving duck that feeds by diving under the water for food. It breeds during the summer in northern regions of the continent.

Considered a large duck, the adult canvasback is approximately 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) in length with a wingspan of about 31 to 35 inches (79 to 89 cm) across. It often weighs between 1.9 and 3.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.6 kg) and has a sleek, rounded body shape. It has a relatively large head with a long, smoothly sloped face and bill when viewed from the side.

Canvasback ducks live mainly in ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands.
Canvasback ducks live mainly in ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands.

The male and female canvasback duck have different color patterns. The female's colors are more muted, with brown eyes, a medium brown head and neck plus a light grayish brown back and body. The male has a lot more contrast with red eyes, a bright reddish brown head and neck, a black chest, a white body including the back, and a black rear end. Both sexes of canvasback duck have black bills and dark blue-gray legs and feet.

The canvasback duck is only found in North America, breeding in northern regions and migrating south in the winter. It breeds most often in an area known as the Prairie Pothole Region, which stretches from southern areas of Canada to parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa in the U.S. Many shallow wetlands, or "potholes," left by glacier movement are located in this area of the northern Great Plains. The ducks migrate south to spend the winter in slightly warmer areas including the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta region, Chesapeake Bay, and the San Francisco Bay.

Preferred habitats of the canvasback duck include marshes, wetlands, ponds and lakes during warm months. It spends the winter on bays, large lakes, and estuaries that are unlikely to freeze over. The canvasback feed primarily by diving under the water surface for food, which usually consists of aquatic plants, invertebrates such as snails and insects, and occasionally small fish. The ducks have a strong preference for wild celery, Vallisneria americana, when it is available, a fact referenced by the species name valisineria.

The male and female canvasback ducks usually select their mates in late winter before returning to the summer breeding grounds. The female lays 5 to 11 eggs in a nest made of grasses and reeds lined with downy feathers. The nest is built anchored to areas of thick vegetation in the marsh. The female incubates the eggs for about 24 days and takes care of the young ducklings when they hatch until they are able to leave the nest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Canvasback Duck?

The Canvasback Duck is a North American diving duck, distinguished by its sloping profile and distinctive wedge-shaped head. Males have a striking chestnut-red head and neck, with a black chest, light gray sides, and a white back that resembles canvas, hence the name. Females are brown with a paler head and neck. They are known for their agility in water and strong flying abilities.

Where can Canvasback Ducks be found?

Canvasback Ducks breed in the prairie potholes of North America, particularly in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Canada. In winter, they migrate to coastal bays and unfrozen lakes and rivers across the United States, with large concentrations on the Chesapeake Bay, which historically hosts up to half of the Atlantic Flyway population during peak migration.

What do Canvasback Ducks eat?

Canvasback Ducks are omnivorous with a preference for aquatic plants, especially wild celery (Vallisneria americana), which is vital for their diet. They also consume insects, mollusks, and small fish. Their diet shifts seasonally, with more animal matter consumed during the breeding season to provide additional protein for egg production.

How do Canvasback Ducks reproduce?

Canvasback Ducks form monogamous pairs each breeding season. They nest over water on dense vegetation to protect against predators. Females lay an average of 7 to 10 eggs, which they incubate for about 24 days. The precocial ducklings are able to swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching, though they remain under the mother's care for protection.

Are Canvasback Ducks endangered?

Canvasback Ducks are not currently endangered, but their populations are subject to fluctuations due to habitat loss and changes in water quality affecting their food sources. Conservation efforts focus on wetland preservation and restoration to ensure sustainable habitats. According to the IUCN Red List, they are listed as a species of Least Concern, but they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

What are the main threats to Canvasback Duck populations?

Main threats to Canvasback Duck populations include habitat destruction, particularly the loss of wetlands due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Pollution and environmental contaminants can also impact their food sources and breeding success. Climate change poses a long-term threat by altering wetland ecosystems and affecting the availability of key food plants like wild celery.

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    • Canvasback ducks live mainly in ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands.
      By: Željko Radojko
      Canvasback ducks live mainly in ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands.