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Explore the northern pintail in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the northern pintail in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the northern pintail in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the northern pintail’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Northern pintail
Scientific name: Anas acuta

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: ANATIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious
Minimum approach distance: 30 m
Courtship display: May to June
Incubation: 22–24 jours
Hatchings: May to June
Habitat:
Lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and wetlands of Asia, Europe, and North America, often in open or semi-aquatic environments
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The Northern Pintail is a migratory species of duck, easily recognizable by its slender body and long neck, which gives it an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The male during the breeding season has a colorful plumage, with a green head, brown body, and long bill. The female, on the other hand, has more subdued plumage, brown speckled, adapted for camouflage.
This duck primarily inhabits wetland areas, such as marshes, ponds, and rivers, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and insects. The Northern Pintail is a long-distance migrant, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to head to Africa or the Middle East during the winter. Although still fairly widespread, the species is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to wetland drainage and intensified agriculture.
Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
To photograph the Northern pintail, a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing its elegant silhouette, especially when it is flying or on the water. The soft light of early morning or evening is perfect to avoid harsh shadows. Be patient and discreet to avoid disturbing their natural environment, especially during the breeding season
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