Amur Falcon

Amur Falcon (Female)
Amur Falcon (Female)
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Falco amurensis
Arabic Name 
البزيق الشرقي
Kuwaiti name 
شويهين
Family 
Falcons
Width 
75.0 cm
Length 
32.0 cm
Least Concern
Similar species 
Red-footed Falcon

In Kuwait

Vagrant
Non-breeder

Information

Extremely rare vagrant. This species breeds in south-eastern Siberia and northern China but undergoes a remarkable overseas migration to south-eastern Africa, usually bypassing the Western Palearctic.
Where in Kuwait 
Only 2 records for Kuwait and both of females; the first was at a desert pool and the second on the Jahra Bay coast.
In the world 
The Amur falcon has a large range with a stable population and is noteworthy for undertaking one of the most arduous annual migrations of any bird of prey. The annual round-trip of 22,000 kilometres is also likely to be the most oceanic migration of any bird of prey, with over 3,000 kilometres of the outbound journey to Africa believed to take place over the Indian Ocean. The entire population of Amur falcons leaves the breeding area in Asia from late August to September, generally travelling in huge flocks. It feeds mainly on insects, including locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, and flying termites.
Local threats 
Indiscriminate shooting and trapping for falconry.