The pintails come in several species, Northern, Bahama, Chilean, red billed, etc.
They are about the same as the widgeons. No super special care is needed, all are ground nesters, though I have had Bahama's use boxes before. Most will lay their first season. None are overly aggressive, and all are very attractive.

 

 

 

 

The North American Pintail is a common aviary bird. As with most waterfowl species the male is more boldly marked than the female,  his colors are tastefully muted shades of brown and gray, and black and white, to this add a slim elegance and one has a truly beautiful bird. The female in comparison is more drab and over all gray. In eclipse plumage the male closely resembles the female.

The Northern Pintail is easily kept in captivity, they are hardy, and have no special requirements, they also get along well in a mixed collection. Capable of breeding their first year, I find that most of my birds do not breed until their second year. They readily accept nest boxes, but also like natural cover if available. Their breeding season is in Spring and begins in May in my region. Clutches consist of 6-10 oval shaped, bluish gray eggs. If eggs are removed early in incubation a second clutch is often laid. They are incubated for about 24 days. The ducklings of this species are easy to raise, and present no special challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bahama Pintail is another commonly represented and much loved aviary bird. These birds are hardy, easily bred and generally have no vices, they get along well with other birds, making them suitable for mixed collections. The male and female are similarly marked with the female being slightly duller in color and having a lighter colored bill. The drake exhibits no eclipse plumage and is attractive year round. Being a sub tropical bird, The  Bahama Pintail prefers warmer climates, but can adjust to cooler ones as long as some shelter is provide from winter temperatures.   

They can breed their first year however most of my birds do not breed until their second year. Breeding season begins in May in my region. Clutches consist of 6-10 oval cream colored eggs. They are incubated for about 24 days. The ducklings are easy to raise and are fully feathered in about 6 weeks.

 

There are several color mutations of the Bahama Pintail , these include the silver Bahama Pintail, blonde Bahama Pintail and the blue Bahama Pintail. To our knowledge only the silver variety is available in the US.