6) PINTALL, 
the north and south of North Britain, but not many. In 
Orkney it is pretty abundant in various parts, but especially 
in Sanday, where it is seen both on the sea and fresh water. 
In Ireland it is recorded by Mr. Watters, Junior, as having 
occurred in the county of Louth, and other localities commonly. 
In Wales it is also known; and in the Faroe Islands. 
The haunts of the Pintail are the reedy borders of fresh- 
water lakes, rivers, and ponds: it is rarely seen on the 
sea-coast. 
These birds move southwards in October and November, 
and northwards in March or April, earlier or later according 
to the forwardness or backwardness of the season. At the 
time of migration they are sometimes seen tarrying by the 
border of some retired bay or estuary, but for the most 
part in more inland situations; keeping by day, for the 
purposes of feeding or resting, on large sandy flats or the 
open water, and at night coming in to more circumscribed 
places. 
The Pintail is in much estimation for the table. They 
assemble in the winter in small flocks, and are by no means 
shy. Considerable numbers are taken annually in the decoys 
of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and other counties. They do well 
in confinement. The parent bird shews much solicitude for 
her brood, and will remain on the nest, it 1s said, even to 
the last moment, if a supposed enemy approaches. 
They seldom dive. When rising, on a sudden alarm, they 
cluster confusedly together. 
They feed on the seeds, roots, and leaves of various plants 
that grow in shallow water, corn, beetles and other insects 
and their larve, small frogs and fish, worms, snails, and 
mollusca generally. Sir William Jardine shot two feeding 
in a stubble field. They are said to be particularly fond of 
beech-mast. 
Their note is described as being soft and low during the 
season of courtship, and it is accompanied by various bowings 
and tossings of the head. A louder chattering noise is also 
made. 
They appear, in some instances at all events, to be late in 
breeding. Mr. Dann saw a large flock of both males and 
females on the Ist. of July, 1838. The usual time seems to 
be the month of April. 
The nest of this species is placed by the margin of, or at 
no great distance from, water, lakes, ponds, and seas, and is 
