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Chilean Pintail (Anas georgica spinicauda)

RS, Brazil.

 

This is one of three subspecies of the yellow-billed pintail, and by far the most numerous and widespread. It is easily recognized by its long and pointed tail. In fact, its scientific name spinicauda literally means “spiny/pointed tail”.

 

This bird I photographed had its tail really sharp, perfectly living up to its name.

 

It occurs from southern Peru and Bolivia down through Chile and Argentina, extending into Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil. Like other pintails, it inhabits shallow wetlands, ponds, lakes and marshes, where it forages for seeds, aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Subfamily: Anatinae

Tribe: Anatini

Genus: Anas Linnaeus, 1758

Species: A. georgica Vieillot, 1816

Subspecies: A. g. spinicauda Vieillot, 1816

Trinomial name: Anas georgica spinicauda

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Uploaded on September 15, 2025
Taken on August 25, 2025