The Pintail, also called the Northern Pintail to distinguish it from southern species, is native to the northern hemisphere of the Americas, Europe and Asia. It breeds in the north of its range and migrates south to winter.

Only the male, above in breeding plumage, has the long, thin, forked tail that gives the species its name. The brown mallard-like female pintail, below, does not have a long tail.

No, I've got a headache

I said I've got a headache!

The blue-billed male is much larger than the female

A little green shows on his head in the right light

Headless chicken

In eclipse plumage he loses the white neck-stripe but retains his plumed cloak

The female Pintail . . .

. . . doesn't have a pin tail

The olive green speculum (wing-flash)

Male Pintail eclipse (autumn/winter) plumage?

Link to Long-tailed Duck