The Pintail

Text and picture from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (www.rspb.org.uk)

Pintail (Anas acuta) - AKA: Northern pintail
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.

Hans: I will have a lot of fun with this bird. It feels bad it can be legally shot in winter...


Vital Statistics of the Pintail:
Eggs: 7-9
Incubation: 22–24 days
Fledging: 40–45 days
Maximum lifespan: Oldest know bird 26 years
Length: 63–70cmWingspan: 80–95cm
Weight: 550-1,200g
UK breeding: 10-40 pairs
UK wintering: 28,100 birds