100 ANATID^ 



The southern coasts are most frequented. Immature birds 

 arrive about the end of September, followed about a month 

 later by the adults. In April it migrates to more northern 

 climes, save a few pairs which remain to breed in Scotland. 



I have repeatedly come across this fine species when 

 boating by day, and have noted small and scattered flocks 

 drifting on the tidal estuaries, in consort with countless 

 hordes of Wigeon. Through a field-glass I have observed 

 that while the latter were resting some sleeping the 

 Pintails were actively feeding. 1 One by one their heads and 

 long necks disappeared under water, their tails pointing 

 vertically upwards 2 as they tilted their bodies forwards. 



The Pintail is a shy and vigilant bird, especially when 

 in company with other Ducks ; as a rule its habits can only 

 be studied from a distance with the aid of a field-glass, or 

 the observer must be ambushed. 



Food. Like other non-diving Ducks, the Pintail quits 

 the water at times in search of food. It visits stubbles, 

 flooded fields, and marshes. Its diet consists of insects, 

 worms, crabs, shrimps, various aquatic vegetables, and 

 grasses. 



Flight. This bird is fast, but not buoyant on the wing ; 

 the rapid flutter of its pinions recalls the flight of Diving 

 rather than of Surface-feeding Ducks. 



Voice. The voice is rather peculiar. It seems to me 

 to resemble a low muttering. Montagu compares it to the 

 crying of a young kitten. 



Like most other Ducks the Pintail is readily tamed. 

 Wild hybrids with Wigeon and Mallard have been raised. 

 Its flesh is excellent. 



Nest. The nest is generally built on rather dry soil, 

 and fairly well concealed by the surrounding vegetation. 

 It is usually placed in the neighbourhood of water. The 

 nest is well lined with down. 



The eggs, which number seven to ten, are pale yellowish- 

 green. Incubation begins about May. 



We have no conclusive evidence that the Pintail has 

 nested in England, but of later years it has bred on several 



1 Some authorities are of the opinion that the Pintail feeds chiefly 

 at night ; others maintain that it seeks its food almost entirely during 

 day light. 



2 This attitude is not peculiar to the Pintail. Our farm-yard Ducks 

 and many other wild species may be seen assuming a similar position 

 when feeding under the surface of the water (see footnote p. 97). 



