Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

A trio of Canvasbacks, male on the left, at Frazier's Aviaries

The Canvasbacks are the largest of the true Pochards and are found throughout North America. These large diving ducks have a distinctive head shape and the breeding male is easily recognized by his pale body with black tail and breast and chestnut head. The Redhead is similar in color, but is a smaller and dumpier bird with a rounded head. The female Canvasbacks are brownish.