Northern Pintail Duck:
A flock of rare northern pintail ducks has been recently spotted at an unprecedented altitude of 13,500 feet in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is a graceful, migratory waterfowl celebrated for its striking appearance and fascinating behavior.
- Scientific name: Anas acuta
- Sometimes referred to as the northern nomads, northern pintails have extensive migratory routes.
- They have been found on every continent except Antarctica but typically do not live or breed south of the equator.
- They are named for their long central tail feathers ending in what appears to be a point.
- The male is a buff-gray color with a chocolate-covered head, a wide white strip on his chest and black patterning on his back.
- Females and non-breeding males are mottled brown with a light chest, and neck.
- These large ducks can reach over 60 centimeters long and weigh over one kilogram.
- Their wingspan spreads up to 91 centimeters.
- Their aerodynamic build makes them fast flyers, capable of reaching speeds up to 48 mph.
- In the wild, northern pintails can live up to 22 years
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern
