Amur Falcon vs Eleonora's Falcon

In short

Amur Falcon and Eleonora's Falcon can be tricky to distinguish, especially in flight. Amur Falcon is generally smaller with a more compact build, while Eleonora's Falcon has longer wings and tail, giving it a more slender appearance. Plumage differences are subtle but important, particularly in the breeding season.

Identification tips

• Size and Shape: Look for the smaller, more compact Amur Falcon versus the larger, slender Eleonora's Falcon.
• Plumage: Note the rufous vent in male Amur Falcons and the uniform dark or pale morphs of Eleonora's Falcon.
• Seasonal Behavior: Consider the time of year; Eleonora's Falcon breeds later in the year.
• Location: Check geographic location; Amur Falcon is more likely in Asia and Africa, while Eleonora's Falcon is found around the Mediterranean and Madagascar.

Size

Amur Falcon is smaller and more compact compared to the larger and more slender Eleonora's Falcon.

Plumage

Amur Falcon males are dark slate-gray with a distinctive rufous vent, while females have a white face and underparts with dark streaks. Eleonora's Falcon has two color morphs: a dark morph that is uniformly dark and a pale morph with a lighter underside and dark streaks. Both morphs have a more uniform appearance compared to the Amur Falcon.

Behaviour

Both species are agile fliers, but Eleonora's Falcon is known for its late breeding season, coinciding with the autumn migration of small birds, which it preys upon. Amur Falcon often forms large flocks during migration.

Habitat

Amur Falcon breeds in open woodlands and grasslands, often near water, and migrates across Asia to southern Africa. Eleonora's Falcon breeds on Mediterranean islands and winters in Madagascar, preferring coastal cliffs and open areas.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable distinguishing feature in the field for these species.