The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a large duck species found across the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their slender, elongated bodies and long, pointed tail feathers. Northern Pintails are medium to large-sized ducks, though their slim figure can make them appear larger than similarly sized duck species. Their size and dimensions can vary based on sex, age, geography, and time of year. In this article, we will explore the typical size ranges for Northern Pintail length, wingspan, weight, and other key body measurements.
Total Length
Male Northern Pintails typically measure 20-28 inches (51-71 cm) long from bill to tail. Females are slightly smaller on average, measuring 19-26 inches (48-66 cm) in total length. This puts the Northern Pintail among the longer duck species, though still smaller than some of the very largest ducks like Canvasbacks. The pintail’s long, tapered tail accounts for almost half of its total length.
Some key facts about Northern Pintail length:
- Males average 24 inches (61 cm) long with females averaging 22 inches (56 cm).
- Their long, pointed tail feathers add 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) of length.
- Northern Pintails are slightly smaller on average in the southern end of their range.
- They are longest during the breeding season and shortest after molting.
- Young pintails grow quickly, reaching full adult length by 3-4 months.
Wingspan
The wingspan of Northern Pintails ranges from 30-37 inches (76-94 cm). This is quite wide relative to their bodies, with a wingspan typically around 130-150% the length of their bodies. The wide wings allow Northern Pintails to take off vertically from the water when flushed. They also provide the lift needed for their swift, agile flight patterns.
Key facts about the Northern Pintail wingspan:
- Average wingspan is 32-34 inches (81-86 cm).
- Male pintails have slightly larger wingspans than females.
- Wings are long and fairly pointed at the tips.
- Their wingspan is similar to Mallards.
- Pintails molt their flight feathers sequentially over several weeks, temporarily reducing wingspan.
Weight
Male Northern Pintails weigh 1.6-2.4 lbs (725-1,100 grams) on average. Females are slightly lighter at 1.4-2.0 lbs (630-910 grams). Weight varies seasonally, with pintails heaviest in autumn and early winter when food is abundant. They reach their leanest in spring after migration.
Key details about Northern Pintail weight:
- Average weight is about 1.8-2.2 lbs (820-1,000 grams).
- Males tend to be 5-15% heavier than females year-round.
- Young pintails start around 0.6 oz at hatching.
- They fatten up in autumn, increasing weight by 30% or more.
- Pintails can lose over 20% of weight during spring migration.
Other Key Measurements
In addition to length, wingspan, and weight, a few other measurements help characterize the size and dimensions of Northern Pintails:
- Bill Length – 2-2.5 inches (5-6.5 cm)
- Tarsus Length – 1.3-1.8 inches (3.3-4.5 cm)
- Middle Toe Length – 1.6-2 inches (4-5 cm)
Males tend to be very slightly larger than females across these measurements. But there is extensive overlap between the sexes.
Size Comparisons
Comparing the Northern Pintail’s size to other duck species helps highlight where they fall on the spectrum:
Mallard
Mallards are very close to the same size as Northern Pintails. Male mallards average about 2.4 lbs (1,100 grams) to the pintail’s 2.2 lbs (1,000 grams). Length, wingspan, bill size, etc. are all very similar as well. The mallard’s chunkier body shape makes it seem stockier than the more elongated pintail. But their length and wingspans only differ by an inch or two on average.
American Wigeon
American Wigeons are moderately smaller than Northern Pintails. The male wigeon weighs around 1.5 lbs (680 grams) compared to 2.2 lbs for the pintail. They also have a shorter bill and wingspan. However, wigeons are compactly built with a robust body. So they can appear more solidly built than the lanky pintail despite their smaller size.
Green-winged Teal
At 0.7-1.0 lbs (325-450 grams), Green-winged Teal are much smaller than Northern Pintails. The teal’s total length of 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) is 65-75% that of a typical pintail. Green-winged teal are very noticeably more petite with a far smaller bill and wingspan.
Canvasback
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Canvasbacks are significantly larger than pintails. Male canvasbacks average around 3.5 lbs (1,600 grams) – over 50% heavier than the pintail. They are stockier with a wingspan over 40 inches. Overall, canvasbacks are around 30% larger in linear dimensions compared to Northern Pintails.
Variation Within the Species
While the averages provide a good basis for comparison, it’s important to note that size can vary significantly within a Northern Pintail population:
- Males tend to be 5-15% larger than females on average across most size metrics.
- Young pintails grow rapidly, reaching adult dimensions by around 4 months of age.
- Northern pintails are largest before breeding and smallest after molting in mid-summer.
- Individuals in northern areas tend to be larger than populations in the southern extent of their range.
- Available food resources during development impact mature size.
- Older males are often larger than younger males.
While most individuals will fall close to the averages, it’s not unusual to encounter pintails on the extremes of the expected size ranges.
Summary of Northern Pintail Size
To summarize key Northern Pintail size metrics:
| Measurement | Male Size Range | Female Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20-28 in (51-71 cm) | 19-26 in (48-66 cm) |
| Wingspan | 30-37 in (76-94 cm) | 30-36 in (76-91 cm) |
| Weight | 1.6-2.4 lb (725-1,100 g) | 1.4-2.0 lb (630-910 g) |
Northern Pintails are medium to large-sized ducks with elegant, elongated bodies and long tails. Their slim build and pointed wings provide them with fast, agile flight. Across most size metrics, they are very close to Mallards but noticeably larger than teal species and smaller than the largest ducks like Canvasbacks. But there remains extensive variability within the species when it comes to stature and dimensions.
Conclusion
The Northern Pintail’s graceful, streamlined figure makes it one of the most readily identifiable waterfowl species. Their elongated silhouette and pointed tail give them a unique look both in flight and swimming. While they are considered a medium to large duck species, their slim build can make them appear even larger when observed in the field. This overview of key length, wingspan, weight, and other size metrics provides a helpful baseline for understanding where Northern Pintails fall on the spectrum of duck sizes. But it’s important to remember that there remains considerable variation based on sex, age, geography, and individual differences within pintail populations. Whether spotting a lone duck or a flock on the water, the Northern Pintail’s elegant size and proportions are key identifying features.
