Quick facts

MigrationMigratory
Breeding seasonSpring–summer
Common in IcelandYes
Breeds in IcelandYes
Best timeSpring and summer

About Northern Pintail

The northern pintail is a slender and elegant duck that regularly visits Iceland. It prefers lakes, rivers, and wetlands and is known for its long neck and tail. Pintails are usually calm and occur in small groups.

Their diet consists of aquatic plants and small invertebrates. They breed in northern regions and mainly migrate through Iceland. The northern pintail is easy to recognize.

Habitat

Wetlands, rivers, and lowlands

Diet

Seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Nesting habitat

Shallow wetlands and lakes with vegetated margins.
Last verified: 08/09/2026