The Canvasback is the largest and arguably most elegant of North American diving ducks, the male's canvas-white back, chestnut-red head, and sloping profile making it unmistakable. It was historically prized as a table duck and is still considered the king of North American game ducks. Its scientific name refers to the wild celery plant whose tubers it relies on in winter.
Best time to see a Canvasback
The best time to see a Canvasback is January–March, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,556 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Canvasback? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Canvasback sightings near you
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