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Nigel Key South Georgian Pintail
(Slimbridge May 2015)
The South Georgian Pintail, also known as the South Georgian Teal, is a dabbling duck.
In the late 19th Century, the pintails were considered common, however, by the early 20th Century the population had been reduced considerably by whalers and sealers.
Since the South Georgia whaling base has been abondoned the population has started to recover. Current threats are mainly due to the eggs and chicks being at risk from Brown Rats and predatory birds such as Brown Skuas.
Conservation Status
Size
430mm to 550mm (17" to 22")
Appearance - Male
The South Georgian Pintail has a Reddish crown, Light Brown cheeks and throat, Dark Grey underwings and a pointed tail. The back, breast and flanks are scalloped with Buff, the underparts are Buff/White, mottled with Brown. The bill is Yellow with a Blue and Black line on the culmen and tip. The feet are Greenish-Grey.
Appearance - Female
Similar to the male except it has mottled upperwing coverts and a dull Brown speculum.
Habitat
Favoured habitat includes freshwater pools and streams fringed by tussock grassland, seal wallows and poorly drained land next to wetlands and melting snow, as well as coastal habitats.
Diet
Vegetation, Algae, Invertebrates, Aquatic Insects, Fairy Shrimp, small Clams, Snails and also known to scavenge Seal Carcasses.
Breeding Time
Late October to early March.
Nest
Concealed in tussock grass made from a base of grass stems and down feathers, shielded by overhanging vegetation.
Eggs
Quantity: 3 to 5
Colour: Pale cinnamon/pink.
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