Amur Falcon

The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis), a small raptor of the falcon family, is a marvel of nature's design. The males are a striking dark sooty grey above, with rufous thighs and vent, while the females and juveniles are more cryptically colored, aiding in their camouflage.

Identification Tips

In the male, look for the white wing lining in flight, contrasting with dark wing feathers, and the distinctive chestnut on the vent. Females and juveniles may be trickier to identify, but the orange eye-ring, red cere, and reddish-orange feet are telltale signs. The wings are long, typical of falcons, and at rest, the wingtip reaches or extends just beyond the tail-tip.

Habitat

The Amur falcon favors open wooded country with marshes for breeding, and during migration, they can be found in open forests or grasslands, often roosting colonially on exposed perches or wires.

Distribution

Breeding in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China, these falcons undertake a remarkable migration across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter along the Southern and East African coasts.

Behaviour

These falcons are diurnal, feeding mainly late in the evening or early in the morning. They capture a wide range of insects in the air or on the ground, and during migration, they may form large flocks.

Song & Calls

The call of the Amur falcon is a series of sharp "kek-kek-kek" notes, which can be heard during their social interactions or when alarmed.

Breeding

The breeding season is from May to June, with several pairs often nesting close together. They utilize abandoned nests of other birds or tree hollows, laying three or four eggs that both parents incubate and care for until the chicks fledge after about a month.

Similar Species

The Amur falcon can be confused with the closely related red-footed falcon, melanistic Gabar goshawks, the sooty falcon, and the grey kestrel, but careful observation of key features can aid in correct identification.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists almost entirely of insects, particularly during the winter. However, during the breeding season, they also take small birds, mammals, and amphibians to feed their young.

Conservation status

The Amur falcon is currently assessed as being of least concern due to its wide breeding range and large population size. However, their flocking behavior during migration makes them vulnerable to hunting and other threats.

Parasites

The species hosts three types of lice: Degeeriella rufa, Colpocephalum subzerafae, and Laembothrion tinnunculi, which are part of the complex ecology of these birds.

In the vast tapestry of the avian world, the Amur falcon stands out as a testament to the wonders of migration and adaptation. Its journey is a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems across continents.