Watercolor portrait of Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria
Long-distance migrant Prefers large, open, shallow freshwater… Uncommon to fairly common Display Hoot

Learn to identify the Canvasback by ear. Master the "whoo-uhh, whoo-uhh" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“whoo-uhh, whoo-uhh”

What the Canvasback sounds like

The Canvasback is North America’s largest diving duck, renowned for its long, gently sloping profile and striking male plumage. Built for underwater foraging, it sports broad, webbed feet placed far back on the body, allowing powerful propulsion while swimming but a somewhat awkward gait on land. Males in breeding dress feature a rich chestnut-red head and neck, a gleaming white back that can appear silvery gray at a distance, and a jet-black chest and bill. Females are subtler in buff and brown, yet both sexes share the same elegant silhouette that sets the species apart from other diving ducks.

“whoo-uhh, whoo-uhh”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Soft, low hooting note given by displaying males during courtship head-throw maneuver. Often written as “whoo-uhh, whoo-uhh”.
Don't confuse with:The Redhead — rounder head with steep forehead, not sloping.

Where you'll hear it

Prefers large, open, shallow freshwater lakes, prairie potholes, and marshes with abundant stands of emergent vegetation such as wild celery, pondweed, and sago grass. In winter it gathers on coastal bays, estuaries, and tidal flats, especially where submerged aquatic vegetation is plentiful.

Arrives on breeding grounds from late April through May. Nesting peaks in June–July. Southbound migration begins in September, with most birds on wintering areas by December. Northbound movement peaks March–April.

Similar species

Redhead

Rounder head with steep forehead, not sloping.

Greater Scaup

Stockier body, shorter neck.

Northern Shoveler (in flight)

Also shows white body and rufous head in certain light but has a very large spatulate bill and is a dabbling duck, not a diver.

Canvasback sound FAQ

What does a Canvasback sound like?
Soft, low hooting note given by displaying males during courtship head-throw maneuver. Listen for the "whoo-uhh, whoo-uhh" phrase.
How do I tell a Canvasback from a Redhead by sound?
Redhead: Rounder head with steep forehead, not sloping.; Gray back (male) darker than Canvasback’s white.; Blue-gray bill with black tip rather than all-black..
When is the best time to hear a Canvasback?
Arrives on breeding grounds from late April through May. Nesting peaks in June–July. Southbound migration begins in September, with most birds on wintering areas by December. Northbound movement peaks March–April.