Northern Pintail
NameNorthern Pintail
Common NameNorthern Pintail
Scientific NameAnas acuta
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)88
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)875
Plumage DetailsThe male Northern Pintail (as pictured) has a chocolate brown head and hindneck, a prominent white stripe extending from the breast up the side of the neck, and a white breast and belly. Its flanks and back are finely vermiculated gray, with a black rump and a long, pointed black tail. The bill is blue-gray with a black tip. Females are mottled brown overall with a less distinct pointed tail.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce a soft, whistle-like 'proop-proop' or 'geee-geee' call. Females emit a low quack.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Winters south to Central America, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying Featureslong, slender neck, pointed tail (especially males), male's brown head with white neck stripe, blue-gray bill with black tip, dabbling feeding behavior
Description
The Northern Pintail is a large, elegant dabbling duck characterized by its long neck and distinctive pointed tail, especially prominent in males. Males display striking brown heads with a white stripe extending up the neck, contrasting with their gray bodies. These ducks are agile flyers and typically feed by dabbling in shallow waters.
