Indian subcontinent serves as a home to a variety of bird species. Falcons are one of them. Peregrine Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, Amur Falcon, Red-Necked Falcon, Laggar Falcon and Barbary Falcon are the different falcons which have been traced in India.
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon is defined as a medium sized bird of prey. The male and female Peregrine Falcons are known to have similar markings and plumage. Peregrine Falcons are known to have marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male.
Shaheen Falcon
Shaheen Falcon has been found in all Indian states, except Uttar Pradesh. The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands also has Shaheen falcon. It is a non-migratory subspecies of the peregrine falcon. This falcon is described as small with blackish upperparts. It has rufous under-parts with fine, dark streaks and its throat is white in color. These birds range from 380 to 440 mm in length.
Amur Falcon
Amur Falcon is an Indian migratory bird. Male and female Amur Falcons differ in terms of physical features. The Male Amur Falcon is dark grey. It has reddish brown thighs and under-tail coverts. Its eye-ring, cere and feet are reddish orange. Female Amur Falcon is dull above, with dark scaly markings on white under parts. It has orange eye ring, cere and legs.
Red-Necked Falcon
Red-Necked Falcon is found mainly in the open plains of India. It is medium-sized and is known for long-wings. Its crown and nape is bright rufous in color. Its wings and upperparts are bluish grey and its legs, cere and eye ring are yellow in colour. Its tail has narrow bars. This bird is on average 30–36 cm in length with a wingspan of about 85 cm.
Laggar Falcon
Laggar Falcon is a medium sized bird of prey found in India. It has pale face, cheeks and throat. Its chest is striated with dark plumage on the back. Long wings and tail gives it a slender appearance. The length of this bird ranges from 40 to 45 cm. Its weight also ranges from 500 to 850 grams.
Barbary Falcon
Barbary Falcon is a medium-sized falcon commonly found in India. The female Barbary Falcon is larger than its male counterpart. It is similar to the Peregrine Falcon, but an adult Barbary Falcon has paler grey-blue upperparts than the Peregrine Falcon.
