THE CANVA

SBACK

S A N PA B L O B

A Y

RAMYA LAKKARAJUBIOLOGY PERIOD 5

CANVASBACK (AYTHYA VALISINERIA)Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Subfamily: Aythyinae

Genus: Aythya

Species: A. valisineria

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canvasback

NATURAL HABITAT

The canvasbacks live in lakes and rivers.

Nesting canvasbacks mostly live in Canada.

The Great Plains of North America are the breeding area for canvasbacks.

During winter, canvasbacks migrate south to places like San Pablo Bay.

LIFE CYCLE AND BEHAVIOR

Behavior• Powerful swimmer• Runs on water to take off

into the air• Makes noise only during

breeding• Pairs form in the Bay

before breeding in a different area

• Moves awkwardly on land• Graceful in water

Life cycle• Breeding starts in spring• Lifespan around 15 years• Eats grasses, clams,

snails, and larvae• Predators include:• Bald eagle• Turtle• Gulls• Humans!

LIVING AND NONLIVING ASPECTS OF ECOSYSTEM• Grasslands provide a safe environment for nesting • Canvasbacks feed on the snails and other animals in the

area• The water in San Pablo Bay is a mixture of salt water and

freshwater

DID YOU KNOW?• The canvasback is the largest species of ducks that dive for food.• The favorite food of the canvasback, wild celery, is a part of its scientific

name.

REFERENCES• Picture on Slide 1: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/San_Pablo_Bay/Canvasback.html• Picture on Slide 2: http://ncpedia.org/wildlife/canvasback-duck• Picture on Slide 6: http://terra-marin.com/images/canvasback1.gif• Information on Slide 3: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/canvasback.html• Information on Slide 4 and 5:

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/fieldguide/critter/canvasback• Picture on Slide 5: http://www.poulosstudios.com/Canvasbacks.htm• Picture on Slide 6:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canvasaback_(Aythya_valisineria)_RWD2.jpg• Information on Slide 6:

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/fieldguide/critter/canvasback• Picture on Slide 7: http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/canvasback