Newsletter / Blog
2011-06-15 Amazing migration of the Amur Falcon
The Amur Falcon - Falco amurensis, formerly Eastern Red-footed Falcon, is a small bird of prey that breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China and winters in Southern Africa.
Satellite tracking of raptors on migration has become an indispensable
tool in studying the routes taken by birds. It is especially useful when
used in areas where there are little chance of recovering ringed
birds. In the past, it was not possible to track any of the small falcons
due to the size of the satellite transmitters. However, in 2009, the
first transmitters became available that were small enough not to affect
the survival of the birds (typically <3% of the body mass).
The Amur Falcon stands out as one of the most interesting birds to
track. It migrates over a very long distance Eastern China to Southern
Africa. It has different routes to and from its breeding grounds and it
supposedly flies several thousands of its journey across the sea. This species is believed to then undertake the longest regular
overwater passage of any raptor as it crosses the Indian Ocean between
southwestern India and tropical East Africa, a journey of more than
4,000 km, which also includes nocturnal flight. Birds arrive in their
southern African winter range in November-December and depart by early
May. |