Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAnas acuta FamilySwans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) OverviewSlightly 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 'quarry' species, meaning that it can be legally shot in winter, but - unlike in parts of Europe - it does not appear that shooting is affecting their population status in the UK. The small breeding population and significant winter population make them an Amber List species. Where to see themA localised species, pintails occur sheltered coasts and estuaries. Particularly large concentrations found on sites such as the Dee Estuary, Solway Estuary and Ouse Washes. When to see themAll year. Wintering birds arrive from September with numbers peaking in December. The return migration takes place from late February into March. What they eatA variety of plants and invertebrates. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 10-34 pairs | 28,180 birds | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out more
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |