Tiny Indian falcon flies 1,000 km a day, stunning scientists with epic 5,400-km dash

Amur falcons begin bold flight across the Arabian Sea (Image: @supriyasahuias/Instagram)

The skies over Manipur carried quiet tension last week. Scientists watched three tagged Amur Falcons rise and turn west. Their wings cut through calm winds over India. Each bird held a journey shaped by instinct. Their flight set the stage for a rare test.

How far have the tagged birds travelled already

Researchers tagged Apapang, Alang and Ahu on eleven November. The work formed part of a Wildlife Institute project. Data then showed Apapang making a stunning dash. He flew three thousand one hundred kilometres in days. His route crossed forests, plains and the Arabian Sea. He weighed only one hundred and fifty grams. His speed neared one thousand kilometres each day. Trackers called him the season’s early leader.

What challenge waits across the Arabian Sea

The birds now face a long ocean passage. They must attempt a six thousand kilometre crossing. The route offers no food, rest or shelter. Success depends on winds and stored energy alone. Very few small birds attempt such long flights. The Amur Falcon remains one of those few. Scientists follow each movement with rising concern.

And the epic journey begins again in all its glory. Three new travellers, Apapang (adult male) orange track, Alang (young female) Yellow track, and Ahu (adult female) Red Track, were satellite-tagged on 11th November 2025 as part of the Manipur Amur Falcon Tracking Project (Phase… pic.twitter.com/07Z6wUvz2Y

Related stories

• 
  New calves spark hopes for the Vaquita’s survival
• 
  The James Webb Space telescope may have spotted the Universe’s first-ever stars
• 
  Scientists identified new algae species fueling Australia’s deadly ocean bloom

— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) November 14, 2025

Why does Manipur matter to this migration

Their journey began in Manipur’s green valleys. The region acts as a vital falcon stopover. Hunting once threatened the birds in these areas. Local villages then built strong community patrols instead. Falcons have since become symbols of shared pride. This support now helps scientists track their progress. The three tagged birds continue that conservation story.

What could this journey reveal to researchers

Their flight may highlight rare endurance skills again. The birds travel from Asia to African grasslands. They use wind, instinct and their natural strength. Each step of this path tests their limits. Each hour of flight shows their remarkable design. Their movement now forms a global migration spectacle.