Birdshot

Birdshot is a category of shotgun ammunition consisting of many small pellets designed to increase the chance of striking fast-moving birds. It is one of three common shotgun load types, alongside buckshot and slugs. Birdshot pellets are traditionally made of lead, but non-toxic alternatives such as steel, bismuth, or tungsten alloys are used where lead is restricted, particularly for waterfowl hunting.

Shot sizes for birdshot range from about #9 down to #2, with smaller numbers indicating larger pellets. The choice of size depends on the target species and hunting conditions: smaller sizes for small birds and upland game, larger sizes for bigger birds or heavier cover. The load is carried in gauges such as 12 gauge or 20 gauge, and a given shell may contain a varying number of pellets per ounce depending on the size and load.

Performance characteristics include a dense pellet pattern at short to moderate ranges and rapid fall-off in effectiveness with distance. Typical practical range for birdshot is within about 20 to 40 yards, depending on gauge, load, and shot size. Pellet energy and dispersion increase the likelihood of a humane and ethical kill when shot placement is correct and safety guidelines are followed.

Regulatory notes often require non-toxic shot for waterfowl and other restricted uses in many jurisdictions, reflecting environmental concerns about lead. Buckshot and slugs serve different hunting needs and are not substitutes for birdshot in most bird-hunting contexts.