Nature Photographers Ltd

Pintail Anas acuta L 51-66cm. Recognised by elongated appearance; male is unmistakable. In flight, male’s grey wings and green speculum are striking; female’s white trailing edge on inner wing is obvious. Sexes are dissimilar in regards. Adult male has chocolate brown head and nape, with white breast extending as stripe up side of head. Plumage is otherwise grey and finely marked but note cream and black stern, and long, pointed tail, often held at an angle. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains wing pattern. Adult female has mottled buffish brown plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Male utters a whistle, female’s call is grating. Status Rare breeding species (on freshwater marshes) but fairly common in winter, often on estuaries.