Northern Pintail Bird Details
Anas acuta
Northern Pintail,Pintail Duck;
Sutaar Batakh
Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anas
United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, China, India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka), Europe.
Appearance :
The Northern Pintail is a medium to large-sized duck with a distinctive elongated neck and a pointed tail. Males (drakes) have a brown head, white neck stripe, and a chestnut-brown breast. Their body is predominantly grayish with a long, pointed tail. Females are mottled brown and have a similar body shape to males, but they lack the striking coloration.
Behaviour :
Northern Pintails are social birds, often found in groups outside the breeding season. They are typically seen in small flocks and engage in courtship displays during the breeding season. They are known for their graceful flight, often seen gliding and soaring in the air.
Habitat :
Northern Pintails inhabit wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, and coastal estuaries. They prefer open areas with accessible water and abundant vegetation for foraging.
Diet :
They are omnivorous, primarily feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, grains, and insects. They often forage by tipping forward in the water to reach submerged vegetation.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Northern Pintails are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America, Europe, and Asia. During the winter, they migrate to southern U.S., Mexico, and parts of North Africa.
Population Size :
The global population of Northern Pintails is estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 million individuals.
Life Span :
n the wild, Northern Pintails typically live around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Northern Pintail is a sleek and elegant duck characterized by its long neck and pointed tail. Males are particularly striking with their elongated body shape and distinct plumage, while females are more subdued in color.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the leg segment between the knee and the foot) is approximately 40–50 mm long.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a chocolate-brown head with a white stripe extending from the bill to the back of the neck. The female's head is mottled brown, providing better camouflage.
- Bill: The bill is relatively long and slender.
- Bill Length: Approximately 50–60 mm
Length :
The Northern Pintail typically measures between 61 to 76 cm in total length.
Neck :
The neck is long and slender, characteristic of the pintail's graceful appearance.
Size :
It is a medium to large-sized duck, with a size comparable to that of other dabbling ducks.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long, pointed, and composed of long feathers that extend beyond the body, giving it a distinctive silhouette.
- Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 10–15 cm.
- Feathers: The male has a striking plumage with a brown head, white neck stripe, chestnut-brown breast, and grayish body. The wings have a characteristic blue speculum bordered with white. The female is mottled brown with subtle markings, which helps with camouflage.
Weight :
The Northern Pintail typically weighs between 0.8 to 1.3 kg.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, which allows for fast and agile flight. They have a characteristic blue speculum.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 75 to 90 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a striking chocolate-brown head with a distinctive white neck stripe and a smooth bill. Females are mottled brown with a more camouflaged appearance. Their bill is darker with lighter markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Northern Pintails build their nests on the ground, typically near water bodies in dense vegetation such as grasses or reeds.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed using dry grass, reeds, and other plant materials. The female also lines the nest with her own down feathers for insulation and warmth.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically begins in late winter to early spring, often from March to May.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season usually occurs in April to June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally pale green to light buff in color.
Egg Length :
The average egg length is about 55–65 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The egg width typically ranges from 39–45 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 50 to 60 grams.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size consists of 6 to 10 eggs, although it can range from 4 to 12 eggs in some cases.
No. of Broods :
Northern Pintails usually raise 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 23 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching. They typically stay with their mother for about 50 to 60 days until they can fly.
Vocalization :
Males produce a soft, low whistle and are generally less vocal than females. Females are more vocal, making loud quacking sounds and other calls, especially when nesting.
Sex Demorphism :
Males (drakes) have a striking appearance with a brown head, white neck stripe, chestnut-brown breast, and grayish body. They also possess a long, pointed tail. Females are more drab in coloration, with mottled brown plumage that helps them blend into their surroundings.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Northern Pintails are migratory birds, often traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. They are known for their strong migratory behavior.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs during autumn (September to November) as they move south to their wintering areas. In spring (March to May), they return to their breeding grounds.
- Migration Route: In North America, they migrate from northern regions like Canada and the northern United States to the southern U.S. and Mexico for winter. In Europe and Asia, they migrate from northern breeding grounds to southern regions, including Western Europe and parts of Africa during the winter months.