Amur Falcon
Falco amurensis
The Amur Falcon is a rare and occasional visitor to Britain, typically seen during migration periods, although sightings are extremely uncommon due to its primary migration route over India and the Arabian Sea. It may be spotted in the UK during the autumn, particularly in the eastern and southern regions.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Amur Falcon in the field.
The Amur Falcon can be identified by its sleek, slender body, long wings, and a distinctive black hood that extends to the back of the neck, with a blue-grey back and wings. Its underparts are pale with fine, dark streaks, and it has a white forehead and throat patch.
The Amur Falcon is smaller than a Kestrel, with a length of approximately 27-30 cm, making it a compact and agile raptor.
The male Amur Falcon has a slate-grey back, wings, and tail, with a black hood and a white forehead, throat, and underparts, which are finely streaked with dark brown.
Similar to the male, the female Amur Falcon has a slightly browner tint to her back and wings, with a more heavily streaked underside, but overall, her plumage is similar to that of the male.
The Amur Falcon's call is a sharp, high-pitched "ki-ki-ki" or "chee-chee-chee", often repeated in a rapid sequence, particularly during migration and breeding.
Amur Falcons are skilled hunters, feeding on small birds, bats, and insects in flight, using their agility and speed to pursue prey, and often migrating in large flocks, which can be an impressive sight.
The Amur Falcon can be confused with the Red-footed Falcon, but it can be distinguished by its black hood, which extends to the back of the neck, and its more slender build, as well as its migration patterns and habitat preferences.
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