canvasback

[ kan-vuhs-bak ]

noun

, plural can·vas·backs, (especially collectively) can·vas·back.

1. a North American wild duck, Aythya valisineria, the male of which has a whitish back and a reddish-brown head and neck.

canvasback

/ ˈkænvəsˌbæk /

noun

1. a North American diving duck, Aythyra valisineria, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvasback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1595–1605; after the canvaslike color of its back

Example Sentences

On the banks of Yosemite Creek, brown-headed canvasback ducks plunged and preened.

From Washington Post

In addition to Canada geese and mallards, in recent weeks Birky Pond has hosted hooded mergansers, bufflehead, redhead ducks, canvasbacks, northern shovelers, scaup and ring-necked ducks, to name a few.

From Washington Times

Diving ducks like canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills and buffleheads are among the most common birds bagged, Tarasovitch said.

From Washington Times

Hunters this year will be able to take two canvasbacks a day when filling their six-duck limit.

From Washington Times

The only bag limit change is for canvasback ducks, which increases from one to two per day.

From Washington Times