The Science: As a template for the integration of habitat and harvest management, we have developed a continental population model for northern pintails.This model links population level responses at the continental level, including harvest potential, to habitat management at the local level by articulating density-dependent relationships at the regional level. In winter, it will utilise a wider range of open habitats, such as sheltered estuaries, brackish marshes and coastal lagoons. The northern pintail duck nests in open country with shallow, seasonal wetlands and low vegetation. Northern Pintail Populations The northern pintail is one of the two common species of duck that has not recovered to NAWMP population goals during the last half decade. Slim and long-necked, it has an elegant appearance both on the water and in flight. During the breeding season, the male ducks have a brown head, a black bill, and a white chest and neck. Habitat Northern pintail ducks nest in open country with shallow, seasonal wetlands and low vegetation. With its long black pointed tail, brown head with white neck stripes and gray slender body, the Northern Pintail, Anas acuta, drake is one of North America's most beautiful ducks.Their long neck and tail makes them appear larger than a Mallard but in body size and weight they are smaller. The breeding distribution of the Northern Pintail is circumpolar. Diet The northern pintail duck dabbles for food in the water. From 2012–2016, hunters took on average 521,607 Northern Pintail per year. Several State Wildlife Grant Projects (T2-9-R, T-18-R, T-27-HM) have contributed to habitat enhancement of wetlands for Northern Pintail and other wetland dependent birds. The white coloration extends as a thin line to the back of the neck. During duck season, hunters spend lots of money on hunting licenses, sporting goods and travel arrangements to towns that live near the migration flyways, and add a … Females are mottled brown all over with slim, tan head, long neck and a shorter tail. The Northern Pintail’s breeding habitat is open unwooded wetlands, such as wet grassland, lakesides or tundra. Migrating and Wintering. White stripe divides front and back of neck, green speculum is bordered by buff. Northern Pintail are one of the most sought after ducks by duck hunters throughout their habitat. Fewer young are produced in years when large numbers of pintails settle in northern breeding areas. Northern Pintail are one of the most sought after ducks by duck hunters throughout their habitat. The northern pintail duck dabbles for food in the water. In the winter, the Northern Pintail often feeds in grain fields. Elegant Northern Pintails swim through wetlands and lakes with their slender necks and long, pointed tails held high. Some refer to the Northern species as simply “Pintail,” and the species is the most common of the four ducks. Habitat Northern pintail ducks nest in open country with shallow, seasonal wetlands and low vegetation.