Focus On...Redhead and Canvasback With two of five of the atlas
project's breeding seasons now under our belts, we have at least
one confirmation for almost all of San Diego County's regular
nesting species. Perhaps the commonest species among the ten or
so still unconfirmed during the last two years is the Redhead.
Therefore, I selected it and its close relative the Canvasback
to "focus on" in this issue of Wrenderings. These two ducks
occur in San Diego County primarily as winter visitors, and
though relatively easy to distinguish have been confused, making
them a suitable topic as we embark on our second winter season.
The Redhead and the Canvasback, both diving ducks of the genus
Aythya, share many characteristics. Males have reddish heads,
black breasts, and largely grayish bodies. The shape of the head
and bill, though, differs obviously: the Redhead's head is
rounded; its typically duck-shaped bill breaks the outline of
the head abruptly. The Canvasback's head has a peaked crown and
a sloping forehead