RED-BILLED PINTAIL
Anas erythrorhyncha
DESCRIPTION
The Red-billed Pintail (Anas erythrorhyncha) is a medium-sized duck characterized by its striking red bill and elongated neck. Males exhibit a distinctive plumage with a mix of brown, gray, and white, while females are more mottled and brownish, providing excellent camouflage. These ducks are known for their graceful swimming and dabbling behavior, often seen foraging in shallow waters for food.
FUN FACTS
- The Red-billed Pintail is known for its elegant swimming style, often gliding gracefully across the water's surface
- They are also quite vocal, producing a variety of quacks and whistles that can be heard during courtship displays.| During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, which include head bobbing and wing flapping to attract females
- These displays are not only a way to show off their physical fitness but also to establish dominance among competing males
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight600-800 g
Average Length50-60 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey are typically found in pairs or small groups, especially during the breeding season.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- Red-billed Pintails inhabit freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Freshwater
- Native Range
- The species is native to parts of South Asia, particularly in countries like India and Nepal, and can also be found in some regions of Southeast Asia.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar
- Diet
- Red-billed Pintails primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are known to dabble on the water's surface and graze on vegetation along the shore.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Social Structure
- They are typically found in pairs or small groups, especially during the breeding season.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-15
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
600-800 g
Weight
50-60 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males have a striking combination of brown, gray, and white with a red bill, while females are more uniformly brown.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more colorful and have a distinctive red bill compared to the more camouflaged females.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 6-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization, as well as hunting in some regions. Climate change also poses a risk to their wetland habitats.
- Predators
- Foxes, birds of prey, and larger fish can pose threats to Red-billed Pintail eggs and ducklings.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their ability to blend into their surroundings and quick flight to evade predators.
- Compatible Animals
- Other dabbling ducks, such as Mallards, and various shorebirds
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon