Falcon sp. April, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bad photos (1 Viewer)

[Seth Miller]

Had this falcon fly over this afternoon against the wind right as some rain was starting. It was quite thin and long tailed, so much so I actually was wondering if it was a parakeet until it got close enough. I was only able to snap a few bad out of focus shots before it disappeared. I'm hoping for Amur falcon because of the shape and size, but since they are fairly rare passage migrants (a few over Dhaka last fall, but none this spring so far anyway) I would appreciate confirmation or a better ID.

 

[Seth Miller]

Got a suggestion of Eurasian Hobby on the Birds Bangladesh FB group based on wing shape

 

[Seth Miller]

Had several others confirm as Eurasian Hobby. I'm ticking it, but if you disagree on the ID please speak up!

 

[lou salomon]

looks mostly like a hobby (and it is far more likely than amur f.) but ticking it on such pics is a bit risky.

 

[andyb39]

Had several others confirm as Eurasian Hobby. I'm ticking it, but if you disagree on the ID please speak up!

It certainly has that look to it. But it's up to you what you tick!

 

[Andy Adcock]

looks mostly like a hobby (and it is far more liekely than amur f.) but ticking it on such pics is a bit risky.

Why is it far morle likey than Amur?

There used to be a place in Nepal which isn't far away, where they would roost in their thousands on migration. FWIW, I don't think you can safely rule out Amur.

 

[lou salomon]

i think it's a bit early for amur? but honestly i've no idea about the phenology of amur in bangladesh. i just make comparisons with red-footed falcons. and they both winter in africa. amurs have a longer journey though! edit: just read about three satellite tracked birds. crossing of arabian sea started at april 18th for one of them.

 

[Seth Miller]

A couple of reputable local birders said hobby, and they know patterns and stuff here well.
A decent number of records of Amur in Oct and Nov, but fewer in spring. One in late April 2018, late april 2015, and May 2016.