New Delhi: Last year, three tiny birds from India quietly did something most of us would struggle to even imagine. They flew across continents, leaving everyone thinking, how does a 150 gram bird even manage that kind of journey?

Now, those same Amur falcons are on their way back. And once again, they have caught everyone’s attention. Not just bird lovers, even scientists. Because what these birds are doing right now is risky, long, and honestly, a bit nerve-racking to follow.

The Epic Return Begins as Amur Falcons Ride the Winds Home ! From the golden savannas of Botswana and Zimbabwe, where summer rains are fading and the chill is begining to set in, legendary travellers Alang and Apapang have taken flight. Their compass is set northward. They are… https://t.co/inLbW5bpE6 pic.twitter.com/QC0BIoEXyV

— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) April 9, 2026

The three falcons begin their return to India

Apapang, Alang, and Ahu have started flying north after spending the winter in Southern Africa. According to updates shared by Supriya Sahu and tracking data from the Manipur Amur Falcon Tracking Project Phase 2, the birds are moving from Botswana and Zimbabwe towards Somalia.

From there, they will attempt one of the toughest parts of their journey. A non-stop flight of around 3,000 kilometres across the Arabian Sea.

This sea crossing is the real test. The birds cannot land on water. There is no break, no rest, no food. They are waiting for strong tailwinds before starting the flight. Without good winds, they simply cannot make it.

How scientists are tracking them

These three falcons are part of a tracking project by the Wildlife Institute of India. They were tagged in the Tamenglong district of Manipur in November 2025.

The tags are very light and send location data through satellites. This allows scientists to follow their exact path without harming them.

Some quick facts about these birds:

• Weight is around 150 grams
• They can fly up to 1,000 km in a day
• They completed a 5,000 km non-stop flight earlier
• Later flew around 6,000 km across Africa

Why this migration matters

This journey is not just about birds flying home. It helps scientists understand how animals navigate huge distances and deal with weather changes.

For now, all eyes are on the skies and the data coming in. People are hoping the winds stay right.

Because if they do, Apapang, Alang, and Ahu will complete yet another incredible trip back to India.