canvasback

The canvasback (Aythya valisineria) is a large diving duck native to North America. It is known for its elongated profile and distinctive coloration, with males typically having a striking head and a white body with a dark back, while females are mottled brown.

Distribution and habitat: Canvasbacks breed across northern North America, favoring large freshwater lakes and boreal wetlands in the prairie pothole region and adjacent areas. They winter along coastal bays, estuaries, and large inland lakes from the Gulf of Mexico to the western seaboards, where shallow waters and abundant aquatic vegetation support foraging.

Diet and foraging: As diving ducks, canvasbacks feed primarily on aquatic vegetation, including tubers and seeds, and will also take invertebrates on occasion. They dive to forage and often feed in flocks on extensive shallow wetlands during migration and winter.

Behavior: The species is highly migratory, moving long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. They form flocks that can number in the thousands, particularly on wintering sites, where social foraging and movement help locate productive feeding areas.

Reproduction: Mating is followed by nesting near water on the ground. The female incubates a clutch typically containing 7–11 eggs for about 23–28 days. The young are fairly precocial, feeding themselves and joining the family on water within days of hatching, with fledging occurring after roughly 50–60 days.

Conservation status: The canvasback is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting a broad distribution and sizable population. Local declines relate to wetland loss and habitat degradation, but conservation efforts focusing on wetland restoration and regulated hunting help mitigate threats.