Every year, tiny Amur falcons weighing just 150 grams embark on an extraordinary migration from Northeast India to Africa. Recent tracking efforts by scientists have uncovered why these birds rely heavily on termite swarms in Northeast India to fuel their long nonstop flight over the Arabian Sea.
- Amur falcons migrate annually from Northeast India to Africa, crossing vast oceans.
- The falcons refuel in Northeast India on large termite populations emerging after monsoon.
- Satellite tracking helps scientists map routes and identify critical stopovers.
What happened
In November 2025, researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India outfitted three Amur falcons with lightweight satellite transmitters to monitor their migration from Northeast India to Africa. These tiny raptors traveled thousands of kilometers, crossing the Indian mainland and the Arabian Sea. Each bird’s journey differed in exact route and duration but highlighted the remarkable endurance of these small birds during their migration.
Subsequent tracking located the birds in various parts of Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and northern Somalia. This groundbreaking tracking work revealed detailed flight paths, stopover behaviors, and the distances covered, showcasing the scale and challenge of their annual migration.
Why it feels good
Northeast India serves as a critical stopover during the Amur falcons’ migration, largely because of the abundance of subterranean termites that emerge in the region after the monsoon season. These termites provide a rich, protein-filled meal packed with energy, allowing the falcons to build up vital fat reserves needed to complete their long nonstop flight across the Arabian Sea to Africa.
Scientific studies examining regurgitated pellets from the falcons have confirmed that termite species constitute a major part of their diet during the stopover. The findings reveal a fascinating ecological link and underscore the importance of conserving these termite-rich habitats that support such an incredible migratory phenomenon.
What to enjoy or watch next
As research continues, Northeast India’s wildlife sanctuaries, like D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, are being recognized as year-round havens for Amur falcons, not just during autumn migration. Monitoring these sites can offer insights into how the falcons use the region across seasons.
Bird watchers and conservationists alike can look forward to further studies that connect habitat preservation with successful migration outcomes. Watching these tiny falcons fasten their wings and embark on epic journeys reminds us of nature’s resilience and the vital need to protect migratory corridors.