Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Anseriformes · Anatidae
About
The pintail or northern pintail 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.
Fun Fact
Its long neck enables it to take food items from the bottom of water bodies up to 30 cm (12 in) deep, which are beyond the reach of other dabbling ducks like the mallard.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is open unwooded wetlands, such as wet grasslands, lake shores or tundra.
Diet
Diet consists mainly of plant material including seeds and rhizomes of aquatic plants, but the pintail sometimes feeds on roots, grain and other seeds in fields, although less frequently than other Anas ducks.
Lifespan
27 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance