We’re diving headfirst into day six of our Birdorable Bonanza with a quacking new addition! The Canvasback paddles its way into our flock, bringing sleek style and ducky charm. Get ready to fall for this unique diving duck!

The Canvasback is a striking diving duck native to North America, easily recognized by its sloping forehead, red eyes, and long, dark bill. Males have a rich chestnut-red head and neck, black chest, and light grayish-white body, which looks almost canvas-colored, hence the name. Females are more muted, with brownish heads and pale bodies. Both sexes have a sleek profile that helps them dive with ease. On both sexes, the long sloping profile from the top of the head down to the bill is unlike most other ducks, giving it a sleek, aerodynamic look. This feature, combined with its bold plumage, makes it a favorite among birders and wildlife photographers.

Canvasbacks breed mainly in the prairie pothole region of Canada and the northern United States. They prefer wetlands with dense aquatic vegetation, where they build floating nests anchored to reeds or cattails.

Canvasbacks are part of the diving duck group, meaning they dive underwater to forage for food instead of dabbling at the surface like some other ducks. These ducks rely heavily on plants like wild celery, pondweeds, and tubers for food during the breeding season. Wild celery is especially important, offering the nutrients they need for successful nesting and rearing of ducklings. In fact, part of their scientific name, Aythya valisineria, is taken from the scientific name of wild celery, Vallisneria americana.

In winter, Canvasbacks migrate to the southern U.S. and parts of Mexico. They are considered strong fliers and can reach speeds up to 70 mph in flight. Their powerful build helps them cover long distances during migration. They gather in large numbers on lakes, reservoirs, and coastal bays, especially along the Gulf Coast and the Chesapeake Bay. They often mix with other diving ducks like Redheads and Scaup. Canvasbacks are powerful divers and swimmers, using their large webbed feet to reach aquatic plants below the water’s surface.

Once considered one of the most prized game birds in North America, Canvasback populations dropped in the early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts, including hunting regulations and wetland protection, have helped their numbers recover to some extent. However, ongoing threats like climate change and habitat degradation continue to challenge their survival. Protecting breeding and wintering areas remains essential for the species.

Canvasback Shirts & Gifts

You can find new Canvasback items in our Amazon and Zazzle shops, both linked in our Birdorable store here. Some items from both shops are shared below.

It's time to get ready for tomorrow’s Birdorable Bonanza reveal! Our next little singer may not be the showiest bird in the patch, but it’s full of charm and loves a leafy hideaway. Subtle colors, sweet songs, and a name that hints at a favorite hangout, though its not always found in gardens. Can you guess which Old World bird is joining us next?

The Knob-billed Duck is a unique and striking waterfowl species found in tropical wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of south Asia. Closely related to the similar-looking Comb Duck, this large duck is easily recognized by the prominent roundish knob on the bills of males, a feature that gives the species its name.

Males are larger than females and sport a noticeable black, fleshy knob on top of their bill, which becomes more pronounced during the breeding season. Both sexes have a glossy black head and upper body, often speckled with white, while their underparts are mostly white. Their wings are iridescent green and blue, adding to their striking appearance, especially in flight.

Knob-billed Ducks prefer freshwater habitats like lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, where they forage for seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Unlike many duck species, they frequently perch in trees, and nest in tree hollows or dense vegetation near water. They are known for their somewhat loose social structure, sometimes forming small groups but often seen alone or in pairs.

A fascinating aspect of Knob-billed Duck behavior is their polygamous breeding system. The word polygamous means having more than one breeding partner. In nature, some animals are polygamous, meaning one animal may have many mates instead of just one. Male Knob-billed Ducks may mate with multiple female ducks, and nests often contain eggs from different mother birds. Males have been known to have "harems" of up to four female birds, with one female being dominant over the others. After hatching, ducklings are cared for by the females, while males do not take part in raising the young.

Although the species is not currently threatened, habitat destruction and hunting pressure have caused local declines in some areas. Their widespread range helps ensure their survival, but conservation efforts are important to protect their wetland habitats.

The Knob-billed Duck joined our Birdorable waterfowl family in November, 2013.

The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck with a distinctive appearance that changes dramatically between seasons. During the breeding season, males sport a mostly dark plumage with a striking white face and a long, slender tail that can measure up to 10 inches, accounting for about half of the bird’s total length. The females and non-breeding males, however, have a more muted coloration, with a combination of browns and whites. The seasonal plumage change is one of the most noticeable features of this species and adds to their charm.

One of the most interesting aspects of Long-tailed Ducks is their vocalizations. These ducks are highly vocal, particularly during the winter months when they are often heard before they are seen. Their calls have a melodic, almost laughing quality, often described as "ow, ow, ow" or "ah-oh-leee." 

Long-tailed Ducks are exceptional divers, a necessary adaptation for their Arctic breeding habitat. They can dive up to 200 feet below the surface to forage for food, which is deeper than most other diving ducks. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans, which they find on the sea floor. During the summer breeding season, they may also consume insects and plant material. Their ability to dive to such depths is aided by their relatively small wings, which make them agile underwater but give them a somewhat labored flight above the surface.

These ducks breed in the tundra regions of the Arctic, where they nest on the ground near water. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 9 eggs, which she incubates for about three weeks. Only the female develops a brood patch. After hatching, the precocial ducklings are quickly led to water by the female, where they begin feeding and learning to dive. The young fledge at around 35 to 40 days old but remain with their mother for some time after.

In winter, Long-tailed Ducks migrate to coastal ocean waters, including those off the northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia. They often gather in large flocks or mixed flocks with other waterfowl. 

While the Long-tailed Duck is not currently considered endangered, it does face challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The melting of Arctic ice, for example, threatens their breeding grounds, and oil spills can have devastating effects on their coastal habitats. General conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of this remarkable species, including protecting their breeding and wintering habitats and monitoring population trends.

If you’re lucky enough to live near their wintering grounds, keep an eye (and an ear) out for these distinctive ducks. Their graceful appearance, impressive diving skills, and cheerful calls make them a highlight of any birdwatching excursion. And if you're new to birdwatching, the Long-tailed Duck is a fantastic species to add to your life list.

Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the vibrant colors and graceful movements of birds during a leisurely stroll or while exploring the great outdoors? If so, there’s one bird in particular that might just steal your heart – the Cinnamon Teal. This small, but unmistakably striking dabbling duck, is a visual treat, especially for bird enthusiasts and those of us who find solace in the tranquility of nature.

Predominantly found in the western parts of North and South America, the Cinnamon Teal is perfectly adapted to a life predominantly on water. It thrives in shallow freshwater environments like marshes, ponds, and lakes where the vegetation is lush and abundant. When it comes to migration, the Cinnamon Teal exhibits a somewhat modest approach compared to other migratory birds that undertake vast journeys across continents. The northern populations of this species migrate southward to enjoy the warmer climates of Mexico and Central America during the winter months. Meanwhile, the southern populations might only move short distances to locate the ideal wintering habitat.

The mating season marks a special time in the life of the Cinnamon Teal. Males court females with a variety of displays and calls in a bid to win their affection. Once a pair is bonded, the female embarks on the critical task of nest-building. Carefully selecting a spot on the ground hidden among dense vegetation near water, she lays her clutch of 8 to 12 eggs. This secluded nesting site not only serves as a cozy cradle for the eggs but also shields them from potential predators. Upon hatching, the ducklings are immediately ready to face the world, precocial and eager to follow their mother to water, embarking on their first adventure in life.

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the Cinnamon Teal is a delightful bird to observe. Its distinct coloration and behavior make it a favorite among birding enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or someone who just enjoys the splendor of nature, witnessing a Cinnamon Teal glide across the water reminds us of the pure delight birds add to our lives. So, next time you’re near a wetland or a marsh, keep an eye out for the Cinnamon Teal. Who knows? You might just have one of those unforgettable encounters that remind you why you fell in love with nature in the first place. Have you ever experienced such a moment?