90 
abruptly from the base of concave bill (Figure 123) gives a round-headed appearance 
that will distinguish it from the Canvas-back at a considerable distance. The brick-red 
of head stopping in mid-neck instead of continuing to shoulders is a good recognition mark 
at close range. Females are appreciably darker than female Canvas-backs^but probably 
cannot be told from them in life by colour alone under ordinary conditions. They resemble 
Scaups or Ring-necks, but are considerably larger, generally paler, without white face mark 
or white wing stripe. 
Nesting. Nest of reeds lined with down, over water. 
Distribution. Across the continent, more common in the interior than on the coast. 
Breeds in the west north to Great Slave lake. 
The Redhead is so closely associated with the Canvas-back that dis- 
cussion under that species will apply to both. 
147. Canvas-back. Mania valisneria. L, 21. Plate IX B. Differing from the 
Redhead principally in slightly larger size and heavier build. 
Distinctions. Slightly larger than the Redhead from which it differs only in small 
details. Compared with that species the male has a slightly lighter back, and the red of 
the head extends down to Bhouldera. Females are 
nearly identical with female Redheads, but some- 
what lighter, and can always be distinguished by 
the shape of the bill. In this species, the culmen 
has a straight instead of a concave profile (compare 
Figures 124 with 123). The female has also a 
general resemblance to the female Scaup and Ring- 
necked Ducks, but is larger and has no white face 
mark. 
Field Marks. Large size. General coloration 
of adult male when distinguishable separates it from 
anything but the Redhead. The outline of head 
with heavy “nose.” and crown slanting back from 
base of the straight bill, gives a long-headed appearance and is a characteristic by which 
it may be separated from any other species at considerable distance. The brick-red of head 
continuing to shoulders is a good recognition mark at close range. Females are 
appreciably lighter than female Redheads, but probably under ordinary conditions may 
not be told from them in life by colour alone. They resemble Scaups or Ring-necks, but 
are considerably larger, generally paler, and without white face mark or white wing 
stripe. 
Nesting. Nest of reeds lined with down, over wafer. 
Distribution. Across the continent, more common in the interior than on the coast. 
Breeds in the west north to Great Slave lake. 
“Canvas-backs and Redheads have more in common than mere appear- 
ance. They are both deepwater Ducks and expert divers, and are found 
together frequenting the same lakes and marshes. Their principal food 
seems to be the tuberous roots of pond weeds and is secured at depths of 
from 2 to 10 feet. To many sportsmen the Canvas-back ranks first amongst 
the Ducks and its praises have been sung for generations. To the western 
epicure, however, it is surpassed as a delicacy by the wheat-fed Mallard 
and it is probable that it does not reach its stage of especial excellence 
until fattened on the wild celery of the southern marshes. Both 
Canvas-back and Redhead make regular flights morning and evening and 
are constantly on the wing on windy days. They are shot either on flight 
ways, white passing from one slough to another, or over decoys on the water. 
The Canvas-back is one of the speediest of Ducks on the wing, a hard 
target, hard to kill and difficult to retrieve, but the largest and heaviest 
when taken. It is probably because of these qualities that it has withstood 
the hunter much better than the Redhead.” 
Head outline of Canvas-back; 
scale, 
