Amur Falcon
- Context (IE): Recently, Manipur’s Tamenglong district announced an immediate ban on hunting, catching, killing, and selling the Amur falcon.
About Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)
- Amur Falcon is the world’s longest-distance migrating raptor.
- It is named after the Amur River, which flows through its breeding grounds.
- Breeds in: Siberia, Mongolia and Northern China. In winter, they migrate to Southern and East Africa.
- Physical Appearance: Small falcons with females being larger. Distinct eye masks and yellow ceres.
- Diet: Insects, particularly locusts (natural pest control) and termites.
- Habitat: Open woods and marshes.
- Threats: Illegal trapping and killing during migration and habitat loss.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern | CMS: Appendix II | WPA, 1972: Schedule I Part B
Amur Falcons in India
- Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam are their midway halts.
- It is also known as Kahuaipuina in Nagaland and Manipur.
- The Doyang Reservoir in (Pangti Village) Nagaland is a famous roosting site for Amur falcons and a successful conservation example.
- Nagaland is known as the “Falcon Capital of the World”.
- They fly 3000 km non-stop over the Arabian Sea without resting during migration.
