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Istanbul — Authorities in eastern Turkey have cleared a small bird detained on suspicions of spying for Israel.

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The kestrel was discovered by residents of Altinavya, a village in Elazig province, wearing a metallic ring stamped with the words “24311 Tel Avivunia Israel.” Suspicious that the bird may have been on a spying mission for the Jewish state, villagers turned the bird over to local authorities.

Medical personnel at Elazig’s Firat University initially identified the kestrel as “Israeli Spy” in their registration documents. Medical examinations — including xrays — determined that the bird was, indeed, just a bird. There were no sign of microchips that might transmit information back to Israel, local media reported. The kestrel was allowed to fly off after authorities determined there was no need to press charges.

This isn’t the first time Turkish authorities appear to have become concerned about an animal spy working for Mossad. In March of last year authorities reportedly examined the carcass of a European bee-eater on suspicion that the bird was spying for Israel.

Reports at the time claimed that authorities had their suspicions raised by the dead bird’s nostrils. One nostril was larger than the other prompting concerns that Mossad equipment may have been implanted in the bird’s beak.