The Amur falcon is famous for flying from India to Africa after crossing the Arabian Sea.
This small falcon undertakes one of the longest migrations known among birds of prey. Birds from breeding areas in northeastern Asia travel south through India, then cross the Arabian Sea to reach wintering grounds in southern Africa.
The sea crossing is remarkable because it covers thousands of kilometres over open water, where resting opportunities are extremely limited. The falcons build energy reserves by feeding heavily on insects at stopover sites, especially around wetlands and grasslands.
Nagaland in northeastern India became internationally known as a major migration stopover after large-scale hunting was documented there. Community-led conservation campaigns greatly reduced the killing of migrating falcons and turned the region into an important example of local wildlife protection.