PINTAIL FACTS

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread, breeding across much of the Palearctic, including northern Europe and North America. Migrates to overwinter well to the south of its breeding range, as far as the equator.

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least concern, but numbers are decreasing.

HABITAT: Breeds on open unwooded wetlands. In winter it mainly inhabits sheltered estuaries, brackish marshes and coastal lagoons.

FOOD: A dabbling duck that feeds predominantly on plant material such as seeds and the rhizomes of aquatic plants during winter. Its longer neck allows it to reach items other ducks cannot. During nesting season its diet will also include aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs.

BREEDING: Pairs are typically formed during spring migration, groups of males pursuing the female in flight until just one is left. Breeding takes place between April and June.

NESTING: The nest is constructed on the ground and is hidden in a dry place often some distance from water. It consists of a shallow scrape in the ground lined with down and plant material.

CLUTCH SIZE: 7 – 9 eggs on average. INCUBATION TIME: 22 – 24 days. LENGTH (AVERAGE): 55cm – 70cm, duck smaller.

WINGSPAN (AVERAGE): Around 88cm.

WEIGHT (AVERAGE): 730g – 900g LIFESPAN (AVERAGE): Normally little more than three years on average, although the maximum recorded age is just over 27 years.

FLIGHT SPEED: Around 55mph. SHOOTING SEASONS: England, Wales & Scotland: 1 September – 31 January (inland); 1 September – 20 February (below the high-water mark) Northern Ireland: 1 September – 31 January; Isle of Man: no open season.