***While on the topic of majesty, of the ducks that winter in our parts, the northern pintail is clearly majestic in bearing. There are a couple of high mounds of earth with profuse vegetation at the Perumbakkam Wetland that are clearly visible from Sholinganallur-Medavakkam Link Road. With marked frequency, I have seen one of the two mounds being occupied almost exclusively by male northern pintail ducks. Even while vying for a nod from a female northern pintail, with elaborate displays that include their trademark lifting-of-the-chin, they are said to be restrained in their pugnacious behaviour. So, I treasure an image I clicked of two male northern pintails squaring off against each other, for certainly some trivial reason.

Source: The Hindu February 06, 2019 11:15 UTC