The pintail is slightly bigger than a mallard, these long-necked and small-headed ducks fly with a curved back pointed wings and a tapering tail, making this the best way to distinguish them from other ducks in the UK. The pintail is a dabbling ducks, meaning that it feeds at the surface rather than diving for their food.
The pintail is easily distinguished by its long, pointed tail feathers. Males have a chestnut-coloured head, white neck and grey body, while females are mottled brown with smaller, pointed tails. Pintails also have a long, graceful neck.
The pintail is a winter visitor to coasts and estuaries.
The pintail is amber listed in the UK. (Opens in a new window)
The oldest pintail was recorded as living to 27 years of age.
