About the Canvasback
The canvasback is a species of diving duck, the largest found in North America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It ranges from 48–56 cm (19–22 in) in length and weighs 862–1,588 g (1.900–3.501 lb), with a wingspan of 79–89 cm (31–35 in). It is the largest species in the genus Aythya, and the largest diving duck in North America. Canvasbacks are similar in size to a mallard but with a heavier and more compact build. 191 males wintering in western New York averaged 1,252 g (2.760 lb) and 54 females there averaged 1,154 g (2.544 lb). The canvasback has a distinctive wedge-shaped head and long graceful neck.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Netherlands, France, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Cuba, Belgium.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Common PochardAythya ferinaThe common pochard is a plump, medium-sized diving duck, measuring 42–49 cm (17–19 in) in length, with a wingspan of 72–82 cm (28–32 in).
Greater ScaupAythya marilaThe adult greater scaup is 39–56 cm (15–22 in) long with a 71–84 cm (28–33 in) wingspan and a weight of 726–1,360 g (1.601–2.998 lb).
RedheadAythya americanaThe redhead is a pochard, a diving duck specially adapted to foraging underwater.
Side by side: Canvasback vs Redhead · Canvasback vs Greater Scaup · Canvasback vs Common Pochard
Learn the Canvasback for real
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