Northern Pintail

More Information

Physical Description

Northern pintails were named after their long, pointed tail feathers, which can reach up to four inches in length. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females differ in appearance. Males have a dark brown head and a white breast that darkens to gray and black along their back and wings. Females have a more uniform speckled-brown appearance. They feed on plants, aquatic insects, and crustaceans below the water’s surface.

Interesting Fact 1

Northern pintails migrate seasonally from northern Canada and Eurasia to Central America, northern Africa, and southern mainland Asia.

Interesting Fact 2

Mating season begins in early May, and females lay seven to nine eggs.

Interesting Fact 3

Females feign injury to divert predators from their young.