Birds in India #2 (1 Viewer)

[vernon]

Following on from the last thread of Warblers, here is a falcon and pipit from our Feb 2020 India trip. Also a distant video view in Ranthambore. The video is shaky and poor but I just wonder if anyone has any ideas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLc-QafrdY

1. 2 Falcons hunting (?larks) on the ground in arid fields near Bharatpur. Our guide described them as ‘Red-headed Merlins’ which I now realise is another name for Red-necked Falcon. I had tried to turn them into merlins but the bird in the photo appears bulkier. The plumage has puzzled me though – based on the Helm Raptor guide though young Red-necked Falcon looks possible (and according to ebird the most likely identity anyway)

 

[vernon]

2. A Pipit – also in the arid fields near Bharatpur, Feb 2020 whilst we were searching for Coursers. I believe this is a Tawny Pipit.

 

[andyb39]

I'm not sure I can help with the falcon but I agree the Pipit looks like Tawny.

I'm going to leave the Eagles to Thibaut or Tom.

 

[vernon]

thanks. I should have put Eagles in the title of the thread but I don't think its possible to edit

 

[Jean FRANCOIS]

It seems to me that the falcon is a Common Kestrel.
Jean

 

[Seth Miller]

It seems to me that the falcon is a Common Kestrel.
Jean

Agree

 

[vernon]

It did occur to me that the bird on the ground and the one in flight might not be the same species. I agree the bird in flight looks like a Kestrel but does the bird on the ground in picture 1? isn't it a bit bulky? I have added 2 other poor shots of the bird on the ground, unfortunately looking away to show what I mean

 

[Seth Miller]

The bird in flight looks like the same bird to me. At least it's taking off from exactly where the one on the ground was sitting...

 

[vernon]

ok - thanks