Northern pintail
Anas acuta
The pintail or northern pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck species with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe and across the Palearctic and North America.
About the Northern pintail
The pintail or northern pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck species with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe and across the Palearctic and North America. It is migratory and winters south of its breeding range as far as the equator. Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies, although the possibly conspecific duck Eaton's pintail is considered to be a separate species. The Northern Pintail is a large duck, and the long central tail feathers of the male give the species its English and scientific names. Both sexes have blue-grey bills and grey legs and feet. The drake is more striking, with a thin white stripe running from the back of its chocolate-coloured head down its neck to its mostly white underparts. The drake also
Fun Facts About Northern pintail
- It is highly gregarious when not breeding, forming large mixed flocks with other duck species.
- It feeds by dabbling for plant food, adding small invertebrates to its diet during the nesting season.
- Unusually for a bird with such a large range, it has no geographical subspecies, although the possibly conspecific duck Eaton's pintail is considered to be a separate species.
- The pintail or northern pintail (Anas acuta) is a duck species with wide geographic distribution that breeds in the northern areas of Europe and across the Palearctic and North America.
- The hen's plumage is more subtle and subdued, with drab brown feathers similar to those of other female dabbling ducks.
Conservation Status
The Northern pintail is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | Anas acuta |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Anatidae family: