96 
ANSERIFORMES 
Field Marks. The male is like a small Scaup witli a black back, but with the light 
grey flank feathers overlapping the wings and part of the back; in life it appears as a 
white-bodied bird. The head has also a fuller crest than the Scaups, giving an entirely 
different contour to the head. Other plumages probably can be separated from the two 
Scaups only by the grey instead of flashing white speculum. 
Nesting. On the ground, near grassy ponds. 
Distribution. Across the continent, but records of the Ring-necked are so confused 
with those of the Scaups that the ranges are not very well delimited. It appears to breed in 
the woodland regions north of the prairies, north at least to Mackenzie Valley, and in 
Cariboo district, British Columbia. More information is desired concerning the range and 
breeding habits of this bird. 
147. Canvas-back, le milouin aux yeux rouges. Nyroca 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 shoulders. 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 eulmen 
has a straight instead of a concave profile (Compare 
Figure 142- with 140). The female has also a 
general resemblance to the female Scaup and Ring- 
necked Ducks, but is larger and has no white face 
mark. The red eye from which the species obtains 
its popular French name is restricted to the adult 
male. 
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 water. 
Distribution. Across the continent, common in the interior and on the west coast. 
Scarce on the east coast in Canadian waters. 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. Roth 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, while 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.” 
Figure 142 
Head outline of Oanvas-baek; 
scale, J. 
