Canvasback
The Canvasback, with its distinctive sloping head and russet-red eyes, thrives in North American wetlands. Renowned for its swift diving and flight, this duck plays a vital role in controlling aquatic vegetation, particularly favoring wild celery, making it a key player in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems.
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Increasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
Aythya valisineria, commonly known as the Canvasback, is a large diving duck found in North America. It is notable for its striking red eyes, sloping profile, and long neck. Canvasbacks inhabit freshwater lakes and marshes and are known for their fast, agile flight and preference for wild celery.
Distribution Range of the Canvasback
Aythya valisineria, commonly known as the Canvasback, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution includes regions from Alaska and western Canada to the northern United States during the breeding season. In the winter, it migrates southwards to the southern United States and Mexico, including parts of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, as well as the Gulf Coast.
Canvasback's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Canvasbacks typically inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds during their breeding season, preferring areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. These environments provide both food resources and nesting sites. During migration and wintering, they are also found in coastal bays, estuaries, and deeper lakes where they can access submerged vegetation.
Ecological Niche
The Canvasback occupies an ecological niche as a diving duck, feeding primarily on aquatic plants like wild celery, which is reflected in its scientific name, Aythya valisineria. Its diet also includes other aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and small fish. The species is adapted to diving and foraging underwater, with a body shape conducive to efficient diving.
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