canvasback

1. Bird Name
English name: Canvasback
Scientific name: Aythya valisineria

2. Appearance
The Canvasback is an agile and elegant bird. Males boast auburn heads, alabaster bodies with contrasting black breastplates, enhancing their distinctive, deep-set, red eyes. Females hold a subtler palette, consisting of a grayish-brown body and a pale brownish head with a slightly darker crown. Both sexes feature a black-tipped, sloping bill that blends into the male’s reddish head or the female’s lighter crown, giving the profile a unique wedge-shaped silhouette.

3. Size
Closely comparable to a large duck, Canvasbacks average between 48-56 cm or 19-22 inches in length. Their wingspan extends to approximately 88-90 cm or 34-36 inches. The weight range for these birds wavers between 900-2400 grams or 2-5.2 pounds, with males typically being slightly larger and heavier than females.

4. Habitat and Distribution
Canvasbacks are endemic to North America. They have a widespread winter range that expands from coast to coast across the United States, extending into Mexico. This bird species prefers freshwater wetlands, choosing to nest near marshes in spring and summer. In colder months, they display versatility, being comfortable in both saltwater and freshwater habitats.

5. Interesting Facts
Canvasbacks are capable migrants, with some populations traveling over 2000 miles to their wintering grounds. An interesting fact lies in their Latin name, “Aythya valisineria”, which refers to Wild Celery (“Vallisneria Americana”), one of their favourite foods. The Canvasback has also figured prominently in the tradition of waterfowl decoy carvings, signifying its cultural importance.

6. Diet
Canvasbacks are omnivores, consuming an array of aquatic vegetation, including tubers and shoots of Wild Celery and other aquatic plants. In addition, they consume insects, snails, small fish, and other aquatic animals, which become a dominant part of their diet in the breeding season.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Canvasback is extremely agile and fast underwater, capable of diving up to seven meters. Males perform a classic courtship display that includes head-throwing and upward-stretching. Their common calls include a catlike “mew” from the males and a harsh “karr-karr” from the females.

8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List categorizes the Canvasback as “Least Concern” due to its broad range and substantial population. However, threats from habitat loss and lead poisoning from ingested shotgun pellets are conservation concerns.

9. Lifespan
Canvasbacks have a relatively long lifespan among waterfowl, living up to 15-20 years, though a majority of individuals don’t reach that age due to hunting and other threats.

10. Additional Notes
Canvasbacks typically remain in family units during their first winter, showing strong social bonds. This species has a crucial role in its ecosystem, contributing to the control and density of aquatic invertebrates and aiding in plant dispersion, affecting the pattern and survival of the aquatic plant community. Native American tribes have traditionally revered Canvasbacks for their speed and elegance. They are also a favorite among waterfowl hunters for their delectable meat.