(j PINTAIL. 



the north and south of North BEitain, 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 is 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 larvae, 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 1st. 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 



