CanvasbackCanvasback -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 19-23 inches | Wingspan: 28-36 inches | Seasonality: Summer/Migrant |
| ID Keys: Chestnut head, black chest, black bill, white back. Compare to Redhead. | ||
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
The biggest of the diving ducks found in the state. Canvasbacks are generally more wary and less tolerant of human presence than some of the other ducks. Numbers are far below historical levels, probably due to losses adequate wetlands for breeding.
Habitat: Marshes, sloughs, shallow lakes and ponds with emergent vegetation along the edges.
Diet: Mostly the leaves, roots, and seeds of aquatic plants, also some insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Nesting: May through July
Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: Croaks or grunts.
Migrations: Summers in the western U.S., northern Great Plains, Alaska, and western Canada. Winters in the southern U.S., near the U.S. coasts, and Mexico.
Similar Species: Redhead
Status: Has been in general decline the last several decades.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Canvasback
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Canvasback"
Photo Information: March 30th, 2003 -- Western Minnehaha County -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Canvasback photos.
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| South Dakota Status: Common migrant in the eastern part of the state, uncommon in the west. Common summer breeder in the northeastern part of the state, uncommon to rare elsewhere. |
| Additional Canvasback Photos | ||
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| Canvasback 1 (Male and Female) | Canvasback 2 - Male and Female | Canvasback 3 - Female |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
