Northern Pintail

Description

Northern Pintails have a very distinct coloring and tail shape. The males have a chocolate colored head with a white stripe leading down the neck to the white breast. Their backs have black stripes that lead to the long, black tail feathers from which they get their name. Females have a pintail as well, but a much shorter one than the males. Females are mottled browns with faint stripes like the males.

Habitat and Status

The Northern Pintail is a resident of the Chugach Region, occurring seasonally as an abundant migrant (particularly during fall), a common breeder, and a rare winter visitor. It is one of the most common breeding dabblers in the Copper River Delta. The Northern Pintail also breeds on the western Kenai Peninsula, where its nests are on dry ground among short vegetation. Audubon’s modeling suggests a poorer nesting climate but a better wintering climate by 2080 in the Chugach Region.

Distribution of Northern Pintails in the Chugach Region.