TWO kinds of "birdie’’ will feature at the Ryder Cup as birds of prey fly over the golf course with messages of support, it was revealed today.

A flock of eagles and hawks has been trained to swoop past carrying mini-banners backing the European team, according to Betfair.

The online betting company said the five birds will also display the latest odds during the three-day competition at Celtic Manor, Newport, South Wales, this weekend.

Bird handler Trevor Smith, from Animals Work, said the air support team - which will fly from a field around the perimeter of the course - have been training for two weeks.

"The birds have been hand-reared and normally perform at shows or in films, but this is certainly one of their most unique jobs,’’ he said.