Geese, Ducks, Mergansers

Northern Pintail, Anas acuta

Family Anatidae (Geese, Ducks, Mergansers)

Size: 21"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Marshes, shallow lakes, coastal bays

Among the most abundant ducks in North America, the Northern Pintail is an elegant, slender dabbling duck with a long neck, small head, and narrow wings. In breeding plumage the male has long, pointed central tail feathers. It is gray along the back and sides with a brown head and a white breast. A white stripe extends from the breast along the back of the neck. The female has a light brown head and is mottled brown and tan overall. To feed, the northern pintail bobs its head into the water to capture aquatic invertebrates and plants from the muddy bottom. It rises directly out of the water to take flight. The breeding female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.