Pintail
Anas acuta
Length 51-66cm

Scarce breeding species but widespread and locally common winter visitor to Britain and Ireland. Male striking with chocolate brown head and nape, and white breast forming stripe up side of head. Plumage otherwise finely marked grey but shows cream and black at stern and long, pointed tail, often held at angle. Mottled brown female shares male's long-bodied appearance. Favours a range of wetland habitats in winter from estuaries to lakes and freshwater wetlands.