canvasback

American  

[kan-vuhs-bak] / ˈkæn vəsˌbæk /

noun

PLURAL

canvasbacks

PLURAL

canvasback

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

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canvasback British  

/ ˈkænvəsˌbæk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of canvasback

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

Compare meaning

How does canvasback compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• canvasback vs. redhead

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