Assam: Amur Falcon, Ruddy Shelduck, seagulls sighted in Umrongso; authorities enforce protection

Haflong: Since the migratory bird Amur Falcon started arriving in the New Tumbung area of the Garampani forest range of Umrongso in Assam's Dima Hasao, the district magistrate has imposed U/S 163 BNSS 2023 (erstwhile 144 CrPC) in the bird roosting area, prohibiting and banning the capturing and killing of Amur Falcon by humans and predators in the area.

The order also mentions strict action against violators as per the law.

Alongside the Amur Falcon, for the first time, a flock of Ruddy Shelduck and Seagulls has been sighted at the NEEPCO water reservoir near the Amur Falcon roosting site, marking a rare and exciting moment for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in the district.

Meanwhile, bird lovers and ornithologists have started thronging the area, and forest personnel are patrolling the area around the clock to protect the migratory birds from capture and killing by poachers.

A team of the NC Hills Autonomous Council, led by CEM Debolal Gorlosa, on Tuesday evening ceremonially welcomed the winged guests at the Amur Falcon roosting site and held a meeting on awareness and protection of these birds.

Earlier, due to a lack of awareness, these migratory birds were killed for sport, fun, and meat.

The killings stopped after awareness campaigns were launched by the forest department, NGOs, and social activists to provide safe passage to the migratory birds.

The Amur Falcon, a small raptor of the falcon family, breeds in south-eastern Siberia and northern China and migrates in large flocks in winter across India and over the Arabian Sea to South Africa.

These migratory birds from Siberia and China stop at Umrongso during their annual journey to South Africa.

The males are dark grey with reddish brown thighs and under-tail coverts, a reddish orange eye-ring, and feet.

Females are duller above, with dark scaly markings on white under parts, an orange eye ring, and legs. Only a pale wash of rufous is visible on their thighs and under tail coverts.

Their diet mainly comprises insects, such as termites. During their migratory period over the sea, they are believed to feed on migrating dragonflies.