The yellow-billed pintail is a South American dabbling duck of the genus Anas with three described subspecies.
Region
Southern South America and sub-Antarctic islands
Typical Environment
Found widely in southern South America, including Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and the Falkland Islands, with an isolated population on South Georgia. It inhabits freshwater lakes, marshes, slow rivers, and flooded meadows, and also uses brackish coastal lagoons. In the Andes it is common on high-altitude lakes and puna wetlands. During non-breeding periods it disperses broadly to suitable wetlands, sometimes forming mixed flocks with other dabbling ducks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A South American dabbling duck, the yellow-billed pintail has a distinctive yellow bill with a black median stripe. It comprises three subspecies, including the South Georgia pintail and the now-extinct Colombian pintail (A. g. niceforoi). It is adaptable, occurring from temperate lowlands to high Andean lakes, and typically forms small flocks outside the breeding season.
Watercolour made by Georg Forster in 1775 on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This picture is the holotype for the species.
Temperament
wary but moderately social
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups; larger flocks form outside the breeding season. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in vegetation near water. Pairs form seasonally, and females handle most incubation and brood care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft whistles from males and harsher quacks from females. Calls are most frequent during courtship and when flushed from cover.
Plumage
Heavily mottled and scalloped brown body with pale buff edging on feathers; pointed tail typical of pintails.
Diet
Feeds mainly by dabbling and upending for aquatic plants, seeds, and grasses. Supplements plant matter with aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and small crustaceans, especially in the breeding season. Opportunistic feeding varies with habitat and water levels.
Preferred Environment
Shallow vegetated waters, marsh edges, and flooded meadows where it can dabble efficiently. Also forages along the margins of lakes and quiet river backwaters.
