Description This medium to large-sized duck has a distinctive long, slim neck. The male has a chocolate brown head and white breast with a thin white stripe that goes up the side of the neck. A grey upperpart and sides are striped with black feathers across the back from the shoulder area and the elongated tail is black. The female is a mottled light brown color with a gray brown head and with a pointed tail that is shorter. Both male and female have bills that are bluish and legs that are blue grey.

Lifecycle The male Pintail will court the female by swimming close to her while continuouslly whisting. Nests are on dryland and constructed on the ground amongst vegetation. The shallow curve in the ground is lined with plant material and down. The female lays 7-9 eggs that are creamy in color and she alone will incubate them for the next 22 to 24 days. Chicks are taken to the water soon after they hatch and fledge after 47-48 days.

Habitat During the winter the Pintail migrates from the northern areas of Canada or Alaska to southern areas including the Hawaiian Islands. Here they are found in the shallow wetlands and flooded agricultural areas.

Diet This night feeding duck looks for insects, algae and low growing water shrubs by dabbling and upending in shallow water. They also eat mollusks and crustaceans.