Teaser image for Pintail Hen vs. Drake article showing Pintail hen and drake swimming.

Though they’re the same species, the Northern Pintail drake (also called Bull Sprig in duck-hunting terms) is very different from the hen. As is the case with most species, the females (the hens) are significantly smaller than the males (the drakes).

Additionally, the drakes have more vibrant plumage and signature long tail feathers that make them an attractive target for hunters. On the flip side, hens have a more subdued plumage, which can make these birds harder to spot when hunting.

That said, both the hens and drakes are strong and agile flyers. The pintails are known for their long migratory routes, which means both sexes have evolved to withstand long flights, which often stretch for thousands of miles.

Hunters who plan on going after the Northern Pintail need to know everything about them, and that includes being able to separate the hens from the drakes. To help with that, this article will cover everything there is to know about Pintail hens and drakes, from their difference in appearance and behavior to the call that hunters need to make to attract them.

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The Pintail Hen

Pintail hens may not possess the unique plumage and tail feathers of the drakes, but they have various unique features and characteristics that make them stand out. Here’s a close look at the Northern Pintail hen to paint a fuller picture of the duck.

Appearance

Pintail hens are known for their more subdued plumage and features. These ducks have mottled brown and tan plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in wetland environments. Their belly is lighter, and their bill is slate gray, sometimes with a faint blue hue.

The hens typically measure in at around 21.4 inches in length and have an impressive wingspan of around 34 inches, making them significantly smaller than their male counterparts. Their smaller size and subdued appearance make them harder to spot in the wild, making them arguably more difficult to hunt than the drakes.

Behavior

As a migratory bird, the hen Pintail duck is a very skilled flier. They perform quick, agile movements, making them challenging targets. They tend to fly in flocks and are always wary of predators. So, when trying to get them within range, blending in with the environment is key.

Typically, the hens will feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. While they occasionally dive underneath the water’s surface for food like other ducks, they are more likely to dabble on the surface when hunting for food. A Pintail hen will usually only submerge underwater if there are predators that they are trying to avoid.

Call

Though experienced hunters can attract both hens and drakes with the same call, it’s worth pointing out that the hens sound a more traditional duck quack. Their call is louder and more vocal, often used to communicate with ducklings or signal danger.

The hen's quack is generally sharper and more repetitive compared to the drake's call. Watch the video below to see exactly what a call should sound like to attract Pintail hens.

Call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZg2Z8JcFd8

The Pintail Drake

When hunters and birdwatchers picture a pintail duck, they usually imagine a drake. This is because the drakes, or bull sprigs as hunters call them, possess the distinct features of the breed, such as the bright plumage and long tail feathers.

Appearance

It’s hard to miss a pintail drake in the wild, with its sleek, chocolate-brown head, white neck and breast, and grayish body. Additionally, they have long, pointed tail feathers (often up to 10 inches long), which are a signature feature of the breed. But just like the hens, these ducks have blue-gray bills that make them stand out in a flock.

Like with other duck species, the pintail drakes are significantly larger than the hens. They often measure around 25 inches in length and have a wingspan of around 36 inches.

Note: Please keep in mind that a juvenile Pintail drake (often referred to as a young drake) has very similar appearance characteristics to hens before they become adults.

Behavior

Pintail drakes don’t participate in nest building, but they are known to stay close to nesting areas to protect the hens. These ducks have a similar diet to the hens, feeding mostly on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. The typical Pintail duck drake often leads the flock in finding food sources, so when you see them flying, expect the drakes to be at the front of the flock.

These ducks are strong fliers that are quick and agile in the air. They also tend to fly and migrate in large and tight flocks, making it hard to pick out a single bull sprig.

Call

The drakes have a distinctive, soft, and whistling call, often described as a "wheezy" or "peew" sound. This call is usually softer and less frequent. It’s also mainly used during courtship or when interacting with other males. Here is a video of what drake calls should sound like:

Call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzJhEECJHn4

Hunting Tips for Hens and Bull Sprigs

Hunting both Pintail hens and drake ducks is a challenge, and there are several reasons for that. For starters, as a result of their declining population since the 1950s, coming across these ducks is becoming increasingly more difficult each year.

This is also why many hunting sites have bag limits on these ducks, with many of them imposing a limit of just one duck per day, with stricter restrictions for hens since they are critical for maintaining the population. That said, please do note that Pintail bag limits will vary from state to state, so make sure to carry out the necessary research before the season begins.

Despite the strict regulations around hunting Pintails, they remain perfectly legal to hunt during the hunting season. Here are some expert duck hunting tips for hunters who are keen on bagging a Northern Pintail.