Anas acuta
The male's long, tapering tail feathers and the slender finger of white extending up his neck contribute to the sleek and swift appearance of this striking duck. Whether a Northern Pintail is seen flying overhead or resting on a pond or stubble field, its distinctive shape makes identification simple. Migrating Northern Pintails are often seen in flocks of 20 to 40 birds, but some flocks can contain as many as 200 birds. The North American population of pintails has yo-yoed up and down over the last century, but from the overall trend, this widespread duck appears to be in decline. Pintails' nests are often more exposed than those of other ducks. The nests are usually built near water, but they can be up to half a mile. (0.8 km) away. The scientific name acuta is Latin for 'pointed,' an obvious reference to this bird's tail feathers. |
I.D.: General: long, slender neck; dark glossy bill. Male: chocolate brown head; long, tapering tail feathers; white breast; long neck with a white stripe; dusty gray body plumage. Female: mottled light brown overall. In flight: slender and sleek. Size: Male: L 25-30 in. (64-76 cm). Female: L 20-22 in. (51-56 cm). Range: uncommon year-round resident south of Yellowstone NP; uncommon to common migrant and uncommon breeder in the northern Rockies. Habitat: shallow wetlands and lake edges in the montane. Nesting: in a small depression in vegetation; nest is made of grass, leaves and moss and lined with the female's down; female incubates 6-9 eggs for up to 24 days. Feeding: tips up and dabbles in shallows for the seeds of sedges, willows and pondweeds; also eats aquatic invertebrates and larval amphibians; eats waste grain in agricultural areas during migration. Voice: Male: soft, whistling call. Female: rough quack. Similar Species: Mallard and Gadwall: females are chunkier and lack the tapering tail. Blue-winged Teal: female is smaller and has a green speculum. |
