Head to head
Yellow-billed Pintail vs Crested Duck
Yellow-billed Pintail
VS Crested Duck
Both are South American ducks known for tolerating an unusually broad range of elevations, from sea level to high Andean lakes.
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Crested Duck | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Anas georgica | Lophonetta specularioides |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Distinguishing feature | Bright yellow bill | Shaggy crest on the back of the head |
| Latitudinal range | Colombia to South Georgia and the Falklands | Southern South America and the high Andes |
| Subspecies | Not specifically divided into subspecies | Two recognised subspecies |
| Pair bonding | Not specifically year-round | Pairs remain together year-round |
| Feeding style | Dabbles at the water's surface | Grazes on aquatic plants and algae |
| Habitat | Wetlands, grassland | Wetlands, coastal, mountains |
Yellow-billed Pintail vs Crested Duck: common questions
Which duck has the wider latitudinal range?
The yellow-billed pintail does, breeding from high Andean lakes in Colombia all the way south to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, an even broader span than the crested duck's southern South American and Andean range.
How can you tell these two ducks apart?
The yellow-billed pintail shows a conspicuous bright yellow bill, while the crested duck is identified by a shaggy tuft of feathers on the back of its head.
Does the crested duck have recognised subspecies?
Yes, it is divided into two recognised subspecies, one in the lowland south and one adapted to the high Andes, a division not documented in the yellow-billed pintail.