Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
The Canvasback is a rare and occasional visitor to Britain, typically seen during the winter months or as a vagrant, with most sightings occurring in the southern and eastern regions. It is a North American species, and its appearances in Britain are often associated with severe weather conditions or migration patterns.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Canvasback in the field.
The Canvasback can be identified by its distinctive black breast, grey back, and reddish-brown head, as well as its long, sloping forehead and black bill. Its wings and tail are also notable, with a greyish-brown colour and a distinctive white wing bar.
The Canvasback is larger than a Tufted Duck, with a similar size to a Pochard, making it a medium to large-sized diving duck.
The male Canvasback has a striking reddish-brown head, black breast, and grey back, with a black bill and legs, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Canvasback is similar to the male, but with a slightly duller and more mottled plumage, and a brownish-grey head and breast, rather than the male's reddish-brown and black.
The Canvasback's call is a low, guttural "kraa" or "kuk" sound, often repeated in a series of two or three notes.
Canvasbacks are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates, and are often seen swimming and foraging in shallow waters, with a distinctive rapid and direct flight style.
The Canvasback can be confused with other diving ducks, such as the Redhead or the Pochard, but can be distinguished by its distinctive head and breast markings, as well as its larger size and more sloping forehead.
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