Falcons are found across the globe, including in India. India is home to several species of falcons that are found across a range of habitats from the Himalayas to the Thar desert. Here is a quick overview of the different falcon species found in India:
Species of Falcons Found in India
- Peregrine Falcon
- Laggar Falcon
- Saker Falcon
- Red-headed Falcon
- Amur Falcon
- Lesser Kestrel
- Common Kestrel
- Eurasian Hobby
The most widely distributed and commonly spotted falcon in India is the Peregrine Falcon. It is found across various habitats from rocky cliffs and mountain ranges to cities where it nests on tall buildings. Other fairly common species include the Laggar Falcon, Saker Falcon, Red-headed Falcon, Amur Falcon and kestrels.
Geographical Distribution
Here is a brief overview of where the different falcon species are most commonly found in India:
- Peregrine Falcon – Found across India from the Himalayas to the coasts. Spotted in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Laggar Falcon – Found mainly in north and northwest India in habitats like deserts and dry open scrub forests.
- Saker Falcon – Ranges across the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim etc.
- Red-headed Falcon – Found in parts of central, south and west India. Favours open grasslands and cultivated fields.
- Amur Falcon – Migratory species, winters in parts of east and northeast India.
- Lesser Kestrel – Ranges along western India in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Common Kestrel – Winters in parts of west and south India. Found in open habitats.
- Eurasian Hobby – Widespread, but localised distribution in India. Favours wetlands and river valleys.
So in summary, while the Peregrine Falcon has the widest distribution across India, other species tend to have certain geographical strongholds based on the local habitat and climate.
Breeding Habits
Most falcons found in India are non-migratory residents that breed within the country. Here are some details on their breeding habits:
- Cliff-nesting species like the Peregrine Falcon breed on rocky cliff ledges and crevices in mountains and gorges. Pairs return to the same nesting site every year.
- Tree-nesting falcons like the Red-headed Falcon nest in the upper branches of tall trees, often reusing old nests of crows or kites.
- Some species like the Laggar Falcon nest on man-made structures like electricity pylons and tall buildings.
- Courtship displays like loud calls and aerial acrobatics take place near potential nest sites.
- The breeding season is mainly from November to April, which varies slightly across species and regions.
- Usually 4-6 eggs are laid. The female incubates while the male brings food. Chicks fledge in around 40 days.
Amur Falcons and Common Kestrels are migratory, breeding in Central Asia and Europe respectively. They migrate to India for the winter.
Threats and Conservation
Many Indian falcon species face threats such as:
- Habitat loss due to human activities
- Disturbance of nesting sites
- Electrocution by power lines
- Poisoning by pesticides
- Decline of prey species
Some conservation measures include:
- Legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act
- Declaration of protected areas and raptor reserves
- Nest site monitoring and protection
- Public awareness campaigns
- Banning of harmful pesticides
Organisations like the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) are active in falcon research and conservation in India.
Significance of Falcons
Falcons play an important ecological role in India as:
- Top predators that help regulate prey populations like rodents, birds and insects.
- Scavengers that help remove carcasses and keep the environment clean.
- Indicators of the health of the ecosystem based on their population trends.
- Cultural and historical significance in arts, mythology and falconry.
- Flagship species that can spur wider habitat and wildlife conservation.
In summary, falcons are an integral part of India’s natural heritage and efforts need to be made to conserve their populations.
Conclusion
India is home to several species of falcons that occupy diverse habitats from the high Himalayas to deserts and forests. The Peregrine Falcon has the widest distribution across the country. Other fairly common species include the Laggar Falcon, Saker Falcon, Red-headed Falcon and Amur Falcon. Most species nest on cliffs and trees, while some also use man-made structures. Falcons face threats like habitat loss and need conservation measures for their long-term survival. As top predators, they play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in India.
