This picture isn’t even the whole roost! The guys doing the research at this site (Pangti roost number 4)estimate that there are around 420,000 birds in this roost alone! There are seven sizable roosts in the Pangti area (and a few smaller ones), combined there are over a million Amur Falcons in that one area. I spent 3 days there with the researchers and the village elders, it’s one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen in my life. Maybe get yourself to Nagaland next November and witness it for yourself. This particular part of the roost was being filmed for a documentary whilst I was there, so I’m sure that you can check that out for yourself when it is broadcast. Steve Minton
In Nagaland, the Amur Falcons are given VIP status and state guest. Few years ago 17000-18000 birds were killed daily by the locals now they are conserving. The result is quite good. These birds cover almost 22000 km during their migration but the interesting part lies here in Nagaland & parts of North-East India. They heavily fed on termites to gain weight for their 4000 km non-stop journey over Arabian sea to Southern parts of Africa. Just visited the place. Meherban Ali