OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 353 



Genus DAFILA, or Pintails. 



Type, DAFILA ACUTA. 



Dafila, of Stephens (1824). The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by the long tail, the central rectrices being pointed and considerably 

 extended beyond the rest. The culmen is nearly straight. The speculum is 

 broader than the light band at the tip of the secondaries. 



This genus is composed of three species, and may almost be regarded as a 

 cosmopolitan one with the exception of the Australian region. One species is 

 best known as a common winter visitor to the British Islands, although it breeds 

 locally within our limits. 



The Pintails frequent both maritime and fresh water areas. Some of the 

 species are migratory. They are gregarious, especially during winter. Their 

 flight is rapid and well sustained. Their notes are harsh and unmusical. Their 

 food consists of vegetable and animal substances. They swim well, but do not 

 dive. They are gregarious and social, especially during the non-breeding season. 

 Their nests are rude, and placed upon the ground, lined warmly with down. 

 Their eggs are numerous, and greenish-grey. 



23 



