Bird Gallery Index

Canvasback image © Joanne Kamo

Family: (Anatidae) Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Preferred Habitat: Marshy ponds and lakes

Seasonal Occurrence: Very common November through April

Notes: The Canvasback is one of the diving ducks. In winter it frequents lakes and bays in our region. It breeds in the prairie marshes of the northern United States and Canada. Like many species who rely on prairies, its numbers have experienced steep declines although recently numbers have rebounded. In coloring the breeding male Canvasback is similar to the Redhead with a dark russet head, pale back, and black breast. But Redhead backs are gray, not white and their bills are a different color. To be noted also is the Canvasback's distinctive sloped head with longer bill. Female Canvasbacks have muted pale brown and gray plumage.
- Susan Billetdeaux