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Northern Pintail Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Northern Pintails are elegant, long-necked ducks with a slender profile. The tail is long and pointed, but it is much longer and more prominent on breeding males than on females and nonbreeding males. In flight, the wings are long and narrow.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Green-winged Teal, smaller than a Mallard.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 20.1-29.9 in (51-76 cm)
      • Weight: 17.6-51.1 oz (500-1450 g)
      • Wingspan: 34.0 in (86.4 cm)