Kestrel is a small falcon known for its hovering flight. They also have the extraordinary ability to keep their head totally still, even in strong winds. This allows them to pinpoint and catch small mammals by sight alone.
Reference:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kestrel
Image via biomorphosis
you are awesome Corina Marinescu , always learn something new from your posts :)
ReplyDeleteDanke John Said =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a proud bird!
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought that dinosaurs would have become so elegant!
ReplyDeleteSeen that a few times before, but always interesting. I'm sure other birds of prey are like that as well. Need a steady head in order to track prey effectively
ReplyDeleteLook how strong his feet/talons look?!
ReplyDeleteAnd here I thought only hummingbirds could hover. The more you know. (Cue flying star.)
ReplyDeleteOh, seagulls hover while they target my lasagna before destroying it right in front of me!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing to contemplate.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think of something I noticed some time ago when watching videos of big cats chasing their herbivore prey: the cat's head is always focussed totally on the running and weaving prey animal and always held level, not tipping to one side or the other no matter how much the rest of the cat's body twists and tilts.
As Sam Collet says above: "Need a steady head in order to track prey effectively"