198 PINTAIL DUCK. 



"Once also, and only once, a single specimen was observed of the Pintail Duck, (Anas 

 acuta;) it was in a flock of Mallards, and continued to associate with them for several days." 

 Tracing it still farther north, we find Mr. C. St. John stating that it visits Sutherland- 

 shire during the winter months. It does not appear however to he common in any 

 part of Scotland. In Orkney, it is reported to he common, but it is more than 

 probable that the Long-tailed Duck, (Harelda glacialis,) which is abundant in Scotland, 

 has been mistaken for it. 



In Ireland it is a regular winter visitor in small numbers, a few being procured in 

 Belfast Bay and Lough Foyle as early as September in most years; and Mr. Thompson 

 says that later, in October, few are met with but single birds, generally in company 

 with Wigeon, and called by the shooters, Pintail Wigeon. 



It is found commonly in the northern countries of Europe, becoming less abundant 

 towards the southern parts, as Italy, Spain, and the Islands of the Mediterranean. It 

 occurs in Asia Minor, India, China, and Japan. In North America, it seems to be a 

 common species, and is frequently to be met with in the markets, being held in great 

 esteem for the table. 



As an article of food it is highly spoken of, and we believe deserves all that has been 

 said in its favour. 



The Pintail is shy and vigilant in its habits, and is very quick in taking and giving 

 alarm : and thus frequently saves the lives, at any rate for a time, of many birds of a 

 less vigilant disposition. It feeds during the day, as well as in the morning and evening, 

 and according to Audubon, scarcely at all during the night. It seldom dives, unless 

 wounded, when Wilson says, they will sometimes come up and "conceal themselves under 

 the bow of the boat, moving round as it moves." They seldom frequent the sea-shore, 

 but are mostly to be found in shallow inland waters, and marshy places where then- 

 food is most readily obtainable. When frightened, Wilson states that they "cluster con- 

 fusedly together as they mount, and thereby afford the sportsman a fair opportunity of 

 raking them with advantage," differing in this respect from many of our other Ducks, 

 which disperse quickly on such occasions. 



The great elegance which characterizes the Pintail, has given origin to several local 

 names indicative of admiration of its beauty; thus the Dublin game dealers give it "the 

 complimentary title of 'Lady -bird,' " or Lady-duck ; while on the coasts of Dorsetshire 

 and Hampshire, where it is met with in considerable abundance, though in small flocks, 

 it is frequently called the Sea-Pheasant; no doubt the length of its tail has suggested 

 the comparison with one of our handsomest game birds. 



It is monogamous. 



The note is said to be a soft and chattering one, and has been compared by Montagu 

 to the feeble sound uttered by a very young kitten. Mr. Thompson says that their 





