Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

Canvasback (Can)


Male - Winter

GIF -- Picture of Male Canvasback-Winter

Body: Large duck, up to 3 pounds, 18-21 inches long. Grayish white with heavy vermiculation. Black chest and rump. Head and neck burnished red. Forehead slopes into elongated black bill. Eyes red. Feet gray. Wings: Grayish white coverts and tertials. Pearl gray speculum; remainder dark gray. Voice: Croak, peep and growl. In Flight: Feet outstretched beyond tail. Elongated neck and body. White belly contrasts with black chest and rump.

Male - Fall

GIF -- Picture of Male Canvasback-Fall

Ranging from mottled grayish brown to near-winter coloration. Head brown. Eyes, bill, feet and wings same as in winter.

Female - All Seasons

GIF -- Picture of Female Canvasback

Body: Mottled gray-brown. Head, neck and rump brown. Belly white. Whitish area around eyes and at base of bill. Eyes black. Bill black. Feet gray Wings: Similar to male. Voice: Quack.

GIF -- Picture of Canvasbacks in Flight


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