northern pintail
1. Bird Name
The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta).
2. Appearance
The Northern Pintail is a bird of elegant proportions and markings, notable for its slender, elongated body shape. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females differently appear. Males are easily recognized by their long neck, distinct brown head, white underparts and grey sides. Their central tail feathers are long and pointed, which is highlighted by a narrow stripe of white that extends up the side of the neck. Females are less distinctive, sporting a mottled brown plumage that assists them blend in with their breeding surroundings. Both males and females have a narrow, pointed bill and metallic-grey to blackish brown eyes.
3. Size
The Northern Pintail measures around 56-74 cm (22-29 in) long, with an average wingspan ranging from 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in). Weight varies between sexes, with males typically weighing between 700-1350g and females, 600-1100g.
4. Habitat & Distribution
This bird species has a circumpolar range spanning North America, Eurasia, and northern Africa. While they thrive in diverse habitats, they prefer open wetlands, lakes, and ponds with abundant emergent vegetation. They can also be found in agricultural lands during winter as they migrate to more temperate regions.
5. Interesting Facts
Northern Pintails are one of the earliest migrating ducks, with pairs forming in their winter location and not on their breeding grounds. Another interesting feature is their unique courtship flight, where a group of males chase a female in the air. Also, this species has cultural significance to several indigenous groups in North America, often featured in their folklore and traditional art.
6. Diet
Northern Pintails largely forage in shallow waters for plant material such as seeds and aquatic vegetation, but their diet also includes small invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Northern Pintails are generally social birds and often form large mixed flocks with other species. They are known as “dabbling ducks” due to their feeding style: tipping forward in the water to feed off the bottom. Their call is a quiet, whistle-like sound produced by males during courtship displays, and a soft growling quack of females.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Northern Pintail is categorized as of “Least Concern” despite some population decline mainly because it still has a large, global population.
9. Lifespan
The Northern Pintail has a lifespan of about 20-22 years in the wild. However, many do not survive past their first year due to predation and hunting.
10. Additional Notes
Locally, these birds are sometimes refered to as “sprigs” in North America given the male’s tail’s resemblance to a sprig of parsley. They can coexist peacefully with humans, even in city parks, as long as their water habitats are preserved. Ecologically, Northern Pintails contribute to seed dispersal, helping maintain the biodiversity of their habitats. Despite being game birds, they adapt well to protections when enforced and can quickly recover their populations.
