Pintails drakes have distinctive and
unmistakable field marks. The hens are a bit more
difficult.
The long pin-like feathers of the drake's tail
gives this elegant duck its not very creative
name.
Also note the white stripe rising onto a chocolate
colored head and a blue/grey bill.
The female has the same overall outline as the
male without the dramatic coloring. The Pintails
have a longer neck and lack the chunky-headed look
of other large ducks. Even hens can be recognized
in flight by this lean elegance (can you tell these
are my favorite ducks?) Also notice the trailing
white edge to the wings--this is my only surefire
field mark for the female as she flies away by
herself.
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