ExploreBirds

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

The Canvasback is a beautiful duck with a striking red head and a sharp black chest. They love to swim in lakes and ponds, diving for tasty plants and small fish.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Canvasback has a distinctive long, sloping profile from its crown to its bill, making its head look wedge-shaped. Males boast a reddish-brown head and neck, a black chest, and a bright white body patterned with fine lines, resembling a canvas fabric. Females are a duller brownish-gray with a less vibrant reddish head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusAythya
Canvasback
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badge
Canvasback

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Canvasbacks have special glands that help them filter salt from brackish water!

Female Canvasbacks sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of other duck species!

The Canvasback's scientific name, *valisineria*, comes from its favorite food: wild celery!

They are among the largest and heaviest diving ducks in North America!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Dive Dynamo

Canvasback can dive over 6 meters deep because of its strong legs and webbed feet that help it propel underwater.

Ability

Speedy Sky Soarer

Canvasback has powerful wings that help them fly incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h during migration.

Ability

Submerged Plant Grazer

Canvasback has a specialized bill and neck that help it reach and pull up tasty aquatic plants from the bottom of lakes.

Measurements & details

Length
48-56 cm
Wingspan
79-89 cm
Weight
0.86-1.6 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
110 km/h
Clutch Size
5-11
Incubation
24-29 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

Canvasbacks mostly feast on yummy aquatic plants like wild celery, but also enjoy some insects and mollusks.

Primary Foods

  • wild celery
  • pondweeds
  • aquatic insects
  • mollusks
  • seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch ducks from a distance and never feed them bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Canvasback?

48-56 cm

What is Canvasback's wingspan?

79-89 cm

How much does Canvasback weigh?

0.86-1.6 kg

How long does Canvasback live?

10-15 years

How fast can Canvasback move?

110 km/h

What does Canvasback eat?

Canvasbacks mostly feast on yummy aquatic plants like wild celery, but also enjoy some insects and mollusks.

Where is Canvasback usually found?

Wetlands

How does Canvasback hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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