Whats the difference?

[ringerstinger]

The law states that you can not harvest canvasbacks, right? But, you can shoot Redheads. Whats the difference between these ducks? Are they a seperate species?

[ironeyes]

Yes, they are seperate species. They share coloring characteristics but can be identified seperately by the bill. A Canvasback has a black wedge shaped bill while a redhead has a blue bill similar to a Ring necked duck. If you cannot tell the difference dont shoot. You obviously have an internet access so I would suggest using it to find images and identifying features of ducks in your area or areas you plan to hunt. It would also benefit you to pick up a copy of the LeMaster Method of bird ID and or a copy of Ducks at a Distance.

[backcast]

here you go

[Kevin Hall]

The Can has a "wedge" shaped head & bill .. whereas, the Redhead's head is rounder. Also the Can is a lot "whiter" in flight, compared to the RH ... which appears as "gray".