Northern Pintail

The Northern Pintail (Anas Acuta) is a slender-necked duck with a distinctive silhouette that is found in temperate regions across Asia, Europe and Northern America. Like most other ducks, the Northern Pintails migrate south for the winter. They are found in most parts of India during the migratory season, and are usually the first migrants to arrive in the country.

Northern Pintail, at the Surajpur Bird Sanctuary, Greater Noida

The breeding males of this species have a chocolate-colored head with a white stripe on each side of its neck. These large ducks are quite striking, and the grey, brown and black patterning is unique to the drakes. The females look more subtle, with rather drab plumage.  Juvenile birds usually resemble the female.

Northern Pintail, male, flying over Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur

The central feathers on the tail of the male birds are elongated, and are almost a quarter of the bird’s length, thus giving the Northern Pintail its name.  The males have a flute-like whistle, while the females have a rough quack.

Northern Pintails roosting at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur

A flock of Northern Pintail in flight over Bharatpur

These ducks inhabit open wetlands and feed on vegetation by dabbling in the shallow water. During breeding, they also eat crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates by filter-feeding on the surface of the water.

Flock of Northern Pintail at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur

The Northern Pintail are highly gregarious and form large flocks during the non-breeding season. They nest on the ground by digging a shallow pit and lining it with down. Their nests are usually a bit away from the water and they lay a clutch of 3-12 eggs.

Northern Pintails roost at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur

Though the global population is going down, there are sufficient number of ducks in the wild, and are therefore categorized as “Least Concern” by IUCN. I have photographed these birds across most bird sanctuaries that I have visited during the winters.

A flock of Northern Pintail, at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur