Northern Pintail

Northern Pintails are medium-sized ducks that grow to about 2 feet long with a wingspan of up to 3 feet. Males are especially striking, with a gray body, rich brown head, and white markings that run up the neck and along the sides. Females are more subtly colored in shades of brown, with a lighter underside that helps them blend into wetland habitats. Their slim profile, long neck, and pointed tail feathers give them a more graceful look than many other ducks.

Northern Pintails live in a wide range of wetland habitats around the world. They can be found in marshes, ponds, shallow lakes, flooded fields, and coastal wetlands, depending on the season and migration cycle.

Northern Pintails are omnivores and eat a mix of plant and animal matter. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, and small fish.

Northern Pintails are social birds that usually live in flocks, and they are often seen gathering alongside other species of waterfowl. Flocking offers important protection, giving the group more eyes to watch for predators and helping reduce risk for individual birds. They can live up to 22 years.

Northern Pintails are among the most widely distributed ducks in the world. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and some individuals are capable of making long-distance migrations that include crossing oceans.

Least Concern