Slightly bigger than a mallard, these long-necked and small-headed ducks fly with a curved back pointed wings and a tapering tail, making this the best way to distinguish them from other ducks in the UK. The pintail is a 'quarry' species, meaning that it can be legally shot in winter, but - unlike in parts of Europe - it does not appear that shooting is affecting their population status in the UK. The small breeding population and significant winter population make them an Amber List species.
Key ID Features:
Elegant, long-necked surface feeding duck.
Male is striking in winter with chocolate brown head, white neck stripe and breast, long black tail spike, a buff patch below the rear of the wings and a grey bill with black lines along its length.
Duller female is mottled grey-brown with grey bill and legs.
Overview
Scientific name: Anas acuta
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
A localised species, pintails occur along sheltered coasts and estuaries and in small numbers on inland freshwater lakes.. Particularly large concentrations found on sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes.
Seen in UK:
All year. Wintering birds arrive from September with numbers peaking in December. The return migration takes place from late February into March.
What they eat
A variety of plants and invertebrates.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
