Canvasback duck – 2/27/18

Observer: Deb  Radovsky

Observation Date: 2/27/18

Observation Time: afternoon

Observation Location: Lake Massapoag

Common Name: Canvasback duck

Scientific Name: Aythya valisineria

Comments: The species name of the Canvasback, Aythya valisineria, comes from Vallisneria americana, or wild celery, whose winter buds and rhizomes are its preferred food during the nonbreeding period.

The oldest recorded Canvasback was a male and at least 22 years, 7 months old when he was shot in California in 1991. He had been banded in the same state in 1969.

More Information: All About Birds