first Amur Falcon in Cyprus

The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small falcon, closely related to the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus).

This Amur Falcon arrived with a group of Red-footed Falcons in the fallow land between Agia Varvara and Anarita, Paphos District.

It is the first Amur Falcon ever recorded in Cyprus.

My photo shows the Amur Falcon's stressed state after a very long journey from South Africa to Cyprus.

After the break in Cyprus, it still has a very long journey ahead of it.

More information about this rare falcon can be found here on Wikipedia:

As early as dawn, and even before the red-footed falcons arrive at around 5:30 a.m., the Amur falcon is out hunting grasshoppers and other invertebrates. Only occasionally have I found it perched on dried thistles; most often, it perches on the power lines, parallel to the field paths. With this better view, it has found food up to 20 meters to the left and right of the field path. It repeatedly returned to the power lines or to secluded areas on the ground to feed. Only once did I see it hunting, looking somewhat perplexed, when it came face to face with a black scorpion on the field path. The scorpion had no intention of giving up its prey without a fight. A natural observation you won't forget.