Northern Pintail Drake

One of the most geographically widespread waterfowl, Northern Pintail ducks (Anas acuta) are also quite mobile, with records of tagged individuals crossing the Atlantic Ocean from North America to Europe. Northern Pintails occur in a variety of habitats, preferring shallow water bodies for feeding and predator avoidance. Their numbers have been declining since the 1950's, primarily because of disease. In the mid-1990's an avian botulism outbreak killed an estimated 1.5 million ducks. Their current population is around 5 million, and despite the decline in numbers Northern Pintails are not considered a conservation concern.

 

This attractive drake shows off his breeding plumage while feeding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Hens are attracted by the form and color of drakes, as well as their behavior. The role of the long tail feathers (the pins) is unclear though, but definitely gives these dabbling ducks a unique look when their heads are under water and butts extended skyward.

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