Why do falcons and kestrels have pointed wings flight?
All falcon species have primary feathers which are pointed, making the wings look like that in flight. This makes them more aerodynamic as they hunt more by speed, in mid-air, particularly Peregrines, when compared to the say the sparrowhawk and buzzard. The short, broad wings of the sparrowhawk are designed for flying through trees, a shorter, broader wing making twisting and turning easier in the forest habitats in which they live and hunt. Buzzards and eagles have wide, broad wings to allow them to catch thermals, (hot air currents) as they soar high up looking for prey. Wing shapes are designed for the individual hunting methods the birds adopt and the shape which best suit their habitat.
