A large migratory Falcon from Central Europe / Mongolia that is a partial migrant - meaning some part of the population is migrant. They are irregular and extremely rare visitors to India and per our guide, the last sighting was 2 years ago. This one is much bigger than a peregrine Falcon and looks much bulkier too. I think it is the 2nd largest falcon worldwide after the Gyrfalcon at around 50-57 cms in length with a wingspan of 100-125 cms and weighing around 730-1300g.
This is the second fasted bird in level flight and we saw it hunting in the scrubalnds and even fighting with another falcon (Laggar Falcon). The bird hunts smaller insects, birds and mostly the desert rodents known as Jird locally or Jerbill in English - these rodents are present in good numbers in the desert.
The IUCN status of this bird is sadly endangered and ebird lists the status as sensitive. The bird is quite popular in wild life trade especially in Middle East.
We just concluded a 7 day birding trip to the Desert National Park in North Western India and the trip was amazing. The density of birds was spectacular - there was a huge variety of raptors and a number of Larks, pipits and some critically endangered birds like Vultures and Bustards.
Many thanks in advance for your views, faves and feedback - very much appreciated.
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