Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 15 inches Wingspan: 34 inches
* Medium-sized diving duck
* Long sloping forehead and peaked crown produce distinctive profile
* Black bill
* Immature female similar to adult female, immature male is similar to female in autumn, but acquires alternate plumage during winter

Adult male alternate:

* Alternate plumage worn from fall through early summer
* Red eye
* Reddish head and neck
* Black breast
* Pale gray back and flanks
* White belly
* Black tail, upper- and undertail coverts

Adult male basic:

* Duller than alternate plumage, especially about the breast and back

Adult female:

* Brown eye
* Brown head and neck
* Pale gray back and flanks
* White belly

Similar species:

Adult male Redhead is similar in alternate plumage to adult male Canvasback, but has yellow eye, blue bill with black tip, much grayer back and different profile. Female-plumage Redheads also have blue-gray bill with black tip, brownish body plumage without contrast between the head and body and a different profile.