Canvasback

/ˈkænvəsˌbæk/ noun

Definition

A North American diving duck with a reddish head and gray body, valued as a game bird.

Etymology

English compound word from 'canvas' (the light-colored back plumage resembles canvas fabric) + 'back'. Named in the 18th century for its distinctive appearance.

Kelly Says

Canvasbacks were so overhunted for their delicious meat that their population crashed to near extinction—they've become a symbol of waterfowl conservation efforts!

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