Canvasback

Status Rare transient, very rare in winter. Gilpin (1880) and Jones (1885) mention three collected birds, one taken in 1881; Allen (1916) reported one taken on 29 October 1905; and three were shot on 29 November 1927. Since 1950 there have been records from coastal areas in all parts of the province. About as many of these are for spring (six reports totalling 13 birds, 4 March to 26 April) as for autumn (five reports of 14 birds, 23 September to 18 December, plus 10-12 shot at Little Harbour, Shelburne County, in late December 1951). Winter records are: one shot in the Medway River, Queens County, in January 1953; four seen near Riverport, Lunenburg County, on 24 February 1974; and two at Annapolis Royal on 2 February 1975.

Remarks The Canvasback has long been recognized as the best table bird among wild ducks this is commonly attributed to the fact that the succulent roots of wild celery (Valisneria americana) are prominent amongst its food.

To identify it, one should note its peculiar-looking, flattened head, its relatively long bill and its light, canvas-coloured upperparts.

It is found in sloughs and grain fields of the North American prairie regions and occurs here as a stray, well north of its winter range on the east coast of the United States.