Amur Falcon "Chiuluan 2" Completes 3,800 Km Non-Stop Bird Migration From Somalia To India

In yet another testament to the extraordinary endurance of migratory birds, a satellite-tagged Amur Falcon named 'Chiuluan 2' has completed a distance of approximately 3,800 km in a single non-stop flight. The said flight went from Somalia to India in just 93 hours.

Between their breeding grounds in Siberia, northern China, and Mongolia, and their wintering habitats in southern Africa, Amur Falcons generally travel around 20,000 km a year, making it one of the longest migrations in the avian world. The effective surveillance of 'Chiuluan 2' gives scientists vital information about the species' migratory paths, rest stops, and the difficulties they encounter on their protracted travels.

Journey of 'Chiuluan 2'

'Chiuluan 2', a male Amur Falcon, was radio-tagged in November 2024 in Manipur's Tamenglong district as part of a collaborative study by the Manipur Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the local communities. After spending about 114 days in Southern Africa, the bird embarked on its northward migration from Botswana on 8 April, 2025.

The falcon's journey included a formidable non-stop flight over the Arabian Sea, covering about 3,800 km in mere 93 hours. This leg of the migration saw 'Chiuluan 2' arriving in Gujarat, India, before continuing its journey towards the northeastern region of the country.

Conservation Efforts

The goal of the satellite-tagging project is to provide insight into the Amur Falcons' migration paths and difficulties. Developing successful conservation measures to safeguard the species and their ecosystems requires an understanding of these patterns. For these migratory birds to survive, cooperation between local communities, government agencies, and research facilities is essential.

The remarkable voyage of 'Chiuluan 2' underscores the significance of ongoing research and conservation initiatives in addition to showcasing the Amur Falcon's tenacity and navigational skills. International cooperation is crucial to protecting these birds' future because their survival depends on the preservation of habitats throughout their migratory routes, which span continents.