The Amur falcon migrates from Siberia to southern Africa, completing a round trip of roughly 22,000 kilometres.
This small raptor breeds in south-eastern Siberia, northern China and nearby parts of East Asia. After the breeding season, huge flocks travel south through India and Sri Lanka before crossing the Arabian Sea to reach southern and eastern Africa. The return journey follows a somewhat more northerly route.
One of the migration’s most remarkable stages is the sea crossing. Strong winds at around 3,000 metres can help the falcons move westward, reducing the energy needed for their long journey. Some birds travel through the Maldives or other islands during the crossing, although the route varies.
The Amur falcon was once treated as a subspecies or form of the red-footed falcon, but it is now recognized as a distinct species. It feeds mainly on insects, often catching them in flight. The species’ long-distance migration has also made it an occasional visitor far outside its normal range, including Italy, Sweden, the UK and remote Atlantic islands.