Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

Northern Pintails are abundant in winter at coastal impoundments such as Pea Island NWR and Lake Mattamuskeet NWR in North Carolina.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014

Distinctive chocolate brown head and snow white neck along with long, black central tail feathers distinguish the male Northern Pintail.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014

Pintails are dabbling ducks, feeding on submerged aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plants in shallow water.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014

Like many female duck species, female pintails are mottled brown and cream, serving as camouflage while sitting on nests.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Bodie Island lighthouse pond, Dare Co., NC
23 Feb 2014

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Created on ... March 11, 2006 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com