308 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
it is not often seen in the west or in Ireland. In a few places 
in Norfolk, where it was first introduced, it breeds, and has of 
late years considerably increased both there and in the 
neighbouring counties. In habits it resembles the Mallard. 
Its white speculum is a distinctive mark when in flight. 
On the Continent it nests in Central and Eastern Europe, 
its breeding range extending to the far north of Russia. It 
winters in the Mediterranean basin. 
The adult male is greyish brown, with darker mottlings on ~ 
the head and neck ; back dark brown, with greyish markings ; 
medium wing-coverts chestnut; greater coverts almost black. 
Under parts white, grey on the flanks and vent. Under tail- 
coverts black. The female is marked with dark brown and 
buff much like a Wild Duck, but is known by the white 
speculum. The young somewhat resemble the female. This 
species may be distinguished at all ages by the white speculum. 
Length 19 to 20 in. ; wing 10°5 in. 
PINTAIL 
Anas acuta (Linneus) 
This species arrives in numbers in September and stays 
with us during the winter, not leaving our shores till April. 
For this period it is essentially a Shore-Duck, haunting 
shallow shores and estuaries, and feeding on aquatic vegetation, 
crustacea, and other animal life brought in by each tide. It is 
more abundant on the east coast than elsewhere, owing to the 
large tracts of shore suited to its habits, but it may be found 
in numbers in the west and in Ireland, wherever suitable 
localities exist. 
It is only recently that it has been known to nest in this 
country, a small colony having made their home on one of the 
Scotch lochs. Elsewhere it breeds abundantly throughout 
Northern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. 
