Thousands of Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) have arrived in India’s North-east region en route their long journey to South Africa. These annual winged visitors have put the region, especially Nagaland, on the map of its travel route- the longest known route of migratory birds -- as a safe sanctuary. Huge flocks of Amur Falcons arrive in India’s Northeast region in October-November, especially to Wokha district of Nagaland and some districts in neighbouring Assam for roosting en route their 22,000 km long travel route from Mongolia to South Africa and back. However, Amur Falcons skip Nagaland en route their return journey which has still remained a mystery. A conservation success story has earned Nagaland the fame of ‘Falcon capital of the world.’ The entire migration route of Amur Falcon was scientifically plotted when one of the three satellite-tagged Amur Falcons- ‘Naga’- which were released in Doyang in Wokha district in Nagaland on November 7, 2013, returned on October 29, 2014. This year both ‘Naga’ and another satellite-tagged Amur Falcon – ‘Pangti’ arrived in Nagaland in October end. Ornithologists say that the Amur Falcons make the incredible journey over Arabian Sea when heading towards South Africa and on their return journey.

Thousands of Amur Falcons were sighted in Dharamtul area of Morigaon District in central Assam on November 10. The arrival of these amazing winged visitors has turned the place into a centre of attraction of birdwatchers. 

Photo and Text  - Manas Paran