ALL the Ducks are interesting, and few species of the feathered creation,
in shape, color, beauty, and general variety of appearance present more
that is attractive to the student of ornithology. Aside from their utility
as destroyers of much that is obnoxious to vegetation and useful animal
life, and as a desirable, if not indispensable, food for man, they possess
characteristics that render them interesting and instructive subjects for
investigation and study.
Among them this widely distributed fresh water Duck is one of the best
known. Its name describes it well. It is one of the first arrivals in the
spring. The Pintail haunts wet prairies, mud flats, and the edges of reedy,
grassy waters, feeding largely upon bulbous roots, tender shoots, insects
and their larvae, worms and snails, and, on its return in the fall, upon
various seeds, water plants, and grain. Acorns have been frequently taken
from the crops of these Ducks.
The Pintail, according to Goss, seldom dives, and it never does so while
feeding, but in searching in the water for its food immerses not only the
head but a large portion of the body. It is an odd sight to see a flock
thus tipped up and working their feet in the air, as if trying to stand
upon their heads. They move about with a graceful motion of the head, and
with tail partially erect, and upon the land step off with a dignity of
carriage as if impressed with the thought that they are no common Duck. In
flight they are very swift.
The nest of the Pintail is placed on low but dry, grassy land and not far
from water, usually under the shelter of a bush, and is a mere depression
in the ground, lined with grasses and down. There are from seven to ten
eggs, of pale green to olive buff, in form oval and ovate.
The habitat of the Pintail Duck is the northern hemisphere in general; in
North America it breeds from the northern United States northward to
Iceland and south in winter to Cuba and Panama.
Mr. George Northrup, of long experience on Calumet lake and river,
Illinois, says that only a few years ago there were to be seen on these
waters during the seasons of migration as many as a million, perhaps
millions, of Ducks, among which were multitudes of Pintails. He has seen
the lake so covered with them that there seemed to be no room whatever for
more, though others continued to alight. The hunters were delighted with
the great opportunities these vast flocks presented for slaughter--sport,
as they called it; mania, Mr. Northrup characterized it. He said the birds,
at the very earliest indication of day, hurried on swift wing to their
feeding grounds to get their breakfasts, where the sportsmen were usually
awaiting them.
The Pintail Duck is not regarded as so great a delicacy as the Canvasback,
the Red Head, or even the Mallard, yet when fat, young, and tender it is a
very palatable bird, and well esteemed for its flavor. The cook probably
has something to do with its acceptableness when served, for
No Duck is bad when appetite
Waits on digestion.
----