The duck described as having a brown head and a grey body is typically the Male Pintail.
Detailed Identification of the Male Pintail
The Male Pintail, also known as the Northern Pintail, is an elegant dabbling duck easily recognized by its distinctive features, which include the specified brown head and grey body. It is often admired for its slender appearance and graceful movements on water.
Key Physical Characteristics
To accurately identify a Male Pintail, observe the following distinguishing features:
- Head and Neck: The head is relatively small and a uniform brown color. Its long, slender neck is a prominent feature, appearing brown at the back and transitioning to a striking white at the front, with this white extending up along the side of the neck.
- Body Plumage: The main body plumage is predominantly grey, providing a clear contrast to its dark head and neck.
- Tail: A hallmark of the Male Pintail is its very long, pointed black middle tail feathers, which give it its characteristic "pintail" name.
- Speculum: On the wing, the speculum—a patch of often iridescent feathers—is dark green. This patch is uniquely bordered by a clear white stripe at the back and a rusty-colored stripe at the front.
Why the Male Pintail Fits the Description
The question specifically asks for a "brown-headed duck with a GREY body." The Male Pintail perfectly matches this description: its head is indeed brown, and its primary body plumage is grey. This combination of features, along with its unique tail and neck patterns, makes it highly identifiable among other duck species.
Identification at a Glance
For quick identification, refer to the table below summarizing the key features of the Male Pintail:
| Feature | Male Pintail Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Small, brown |
| Neck | Long; brown at the back, white at the front |
| Body | Grey |
| Tail | Very long, black middle feathers (the "pintail") |
| Speculum | Dark green, with a white border at the back and a rusty border at the front |
Habitat and Behavior
Male Pintails are commonly found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including shallow wetlands, marshes, ponds, and lakes. As dabbling ducks, they primarily feed by tipping their bodies forward to filter water for submerged vegetation, seeds, and small invertebrates, rather than fully diving.
