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THE NATURAL WORLD OF SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND THROUGH THE LENS OF CAPTAIN YVES- PART 16

Nothern Pintails are the most numerous ducks after the Mallards, at one time it was estimated that there were 10 million of them in North America!

They can be found frequently in Victoria during the winter months. However, as soon as the ice breaks up these eager breeders head to the prairie pothole region of the Great Plains, as well as Canada, and Alaska to nest.

Northern Pintails migrate at night at speeds around 48 miles per hour. The longest nonstop flight recorded for a Northern Pintail was 1,800 miles.

Female Northern Pintail
Female Northern Pintail

Nests are constructed at some distance from the waters edge. The femnale will incubate the eggs for approximately 22 to 24 days.

Pintails protect their nest by pretending to be injured and leading the predator away from the nest to keep her chicks safe.

The oldest recorded Northern Pintail was a male, and at least 22 years, 3 months old when he was found in Saskatchewan, Canada.

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