Braggart of Bharatpur: Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail drake

The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) drakes add elegance to the flocks of wintering birds. Their uniquely elongated central tail feathers which may reach upto one-fourth the length of their body give the ducks their name and identity. They breed all along the northern parts of North America and Eurasia and are known to migrate south, even upto the equator, during winter. Unfortunately, the abundance of these ducks, combined with their speed, agility and the delectable nature of their meat, has endeared them to many game hunters. But the use of lead shots in game hunting has caused lead poisoning in many birds, both by ingestion and embedding. This has posed a health risk to game meat consumers as well. So, many countries have legislated to enforce use of non-toxic alternatives in hunting.