Pintail
Anas acuta
The Pintail is a rare but regular winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in coastal wetlands and estuaries from October to March, with a few individuals occasionally lingering into the summer months. It can be spotted in small numbers, often among flocks of other duck species, particularly in eastern and southern England.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Pintail in the field.
The Pintail's long, pointed tail, slender neck, and grey-brown breast with a white belly are key features that distinguish it at a glance, along with its distinctive feeding posture, where it often upends with its tail held vertically.
The Pintail is slightly larger than a Mallard, but smaller than a Goose, making it a medium-sized duck species.
The male Pintail has a striking black head, neck, and breast, with a grey-brown back, white belly, and long, black tail feathers, which give it its name, with little seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Pintail has a more subdued plumage, with a mottled brown back, grey-brown head and neck, and a white belly, similar to the male but without the black head and neck.
The Pintail's call is a low, nasal "krek" or "knak" sound, often repeated in a series, and is typically heard from males during the breeding season.
Pintails are social birds that often feed in flocks, foraging for aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and grains in wetlands, and are known for their fast, direct flight style, with rapid wingbeats.
The Pintail can be confused with the Garganey, but can be distinguished by its longer tail, more slender neck, and different head shape, as well as its lack of the Garganey's distinctive white crescent above the eye.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
