Eaton's pintail is a dabbling duck of the genus Anas. It is also known as the southern pintail. The species is restricted to the island groups of Kerguelen and Crozet in the southern Indian Ocean. It resembles a small female northern pintail. It was named after the English explorer and naturalist Alfred Edwin Eaton. It is threatened by introduced species, particularly feral cats, which prey on it, particularly during the post-breeding molt, when it is unable to fly.
Region
Subantarctic Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
The species is confined to subantarctic islands with a mix of coastal and freshwater habitats. It frequents tussock grasslands bordering ponds and streams, sheltered lagoons, and kelp-lined shorelines. Birds dabble in shallow freshwater and also forage along intertidal wrack lines. Nesting occurs on the ground in dense grasses near water, where cover helps conceal adults and broods.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Eaton's pintail, also called the southern pintail, is a small dabbling duck confined to the Kerguelen and Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. It closely resembles a small female northern pintail but has proportionally shorter, pointed tail feathers and darker mottling. Two subspecies occur, one on each island group. It is threatened by introduced predators, especially feral cats, which take flightless birds during the post-breeding molt.
With ducklings, illustration by Keulemans, 1895
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
fast, low over water with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in small, loose groups, often around sheltered bays and ponds. Pairs form prior to the breeding season, and nests are placed in dense tussock or other cover close to freshwater. Broods are led to sheltered feeding areas shortly after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are generally soft; males give thin whistles and trills, especially during courtship. Females produce harsher quacks and chatter when alarmed or communicating with ducklings.
