Overview
Like many southern ducks, the sexes are similar. It is mainly brown with white cheeks and a red-based grey bill (young birds lack the pink). It cannot be confused with any other duck in its range.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Anatidae
- Genus
- Anas
- Species
- bahamensis
Habitat
It occurs on waters with some salinity, such as brackish lakes, estuaries and mangrove swamps.
Diet
The white-cheeked pintail feeds on aquatic plants and small creatures obtained by dabbling.
Behavior
Pairs stay together for one season. The nest is on the ground under vegetation and near water. Equally as comfortable on the water as they are on land.
Hunting
Typically hunted with a 12 ga shotgun. Shot size #2-4 is sufficient. Effectively hunted with decoys and calling. Dogs are used for bird retrieval. Steel shot is required for waterfowl in the United States.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.