Range: Northern Parts of N. Hemisphere.  Winters south to n. S. America, Africa, India.

Habitat: Marshes, praries, fresh ponds, lakes, salt bays.

Size: 26-30 in. (65-75 cm.)

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)                                                        Fairly common

Description: Male: A slender, slim-necked, gray duck with a white breast and a long needle-pointed tail.  A conspicuous white point runs from neck onto side of dark head.  Female:  Mottled brown; note rather pointed tail, slender neck, blue-grey bill.  In flight, shows one light border on rear of rusty speculum.

Similar Species: (1) female Mallard; (2) female gadwall, (3) Long-tailed Duck (not a "dabbler").

Voice: Male utters a double-toned whistle, prrip, prrip, wheezy teal-like notes.  Female, a low quack.

Description from A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America Fifth Edition by Roger Tory Peterson and Virginia Marie Peterson.

Photographs copyright Roger Tory Peterson

For permission to use these photos contact Jim Berry: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it