Pintail
Anas acuta
Overview
The Pintail is one of the most elegant ducks in the world and Marshside RSPB is one of the best places in the northwest to see it. Males have a chocolate-brown head, white neck stripe, grey body and the distinctive long pointed tail. They feed in deeper water than Teal, often up-ending. Numbers at Marshside have held up better than on many sites and a winter visit might yield 50–200 birds.
At a Glance
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Habitat | Deep lagoon · Estuary · Open water |
| Diet | Aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates — up-ends in deeper water to feed |
| UK population | Around 26,000 wintering birds; UK breeding almost non-existent |
| Sefton Coast | 50–200 birds regularly at Marshside in winter; counts sometimes higher |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB — one of the more reliable UK sites for Pintail. The deeper lagoons.
Identification
Slim, elegant duck. Males: chocolate head, white neck, grey body, very long pointed tail. Females: pale brown, more streamlined than Mallard.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Look in the deeper parts of the Marshside lagoon. They up-end to feed and the long tail is visible even when swimming.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Marshside RSPB good for Pintail?
Marshside RSPB holds one of the better concentrations of wintering Pintail in northwest England, with counts regularly reaching 50–200 birds. The deep lagoons offer ideal feeding habitat and the site's management specifically benefits wintering wildfowl. Pintail are among the most elegant ducks and the males' long tail is visible at distance.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.