Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus

Least Concern
Soaring through Arctic skies, this powerful falcon reigns as the largest of its kind, hunting with unmatched speed and precision.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species, with a robust build and broad, pointed wings. Its plumage varies from nearly pure white to dark grey, often with barring or streaking. The head features a distinctive 'moustache' mark and a hooked beak.

Females are noticeably larger and often darker than males. Juveniles typically show more brown colouration and heavier streaking compared to adults. Plumage colour remains consistent year-round.

Size

Length

48cm to 61cm

Wingspan

110cm to 130cm

Weight

800g to 2.1kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey White

Secondary Colour

Brown Black

Beak Colour

Blue Grey

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Gyrfalcon can be found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Gyrfalcon can be found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Gyrfalcons inhabit Arctic and subarctic regions, including tundra, taiga, and mountainous areas. They are found across northern North America, Greenland, and northern Eurasia, with their range extending into Scandinavia and Iceland.

Some individuals move south into southern Canada and the northern United States during winter. They are rare visitors in the UK, occasionally spotted along northern coasts.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Arctic, Subarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Gyrfalcon. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Canada China Finland France Greenland Iceland Japan Mexico Norway Russia Sweden
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Russia United States of America
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Austria Belgium Bermuda Brazil Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Germany Ireland Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Netherlands Pakistan Poland Portugal Saint Pierre and Miquelon Spain Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Switzerland The United Kingdom Ukraine

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Gyrfalcon's exceptional agility is evident in its ability to perform intricate aerial manoeuvres and high-speed pursuits. As the largest falcon species, it combines power with remarkable manoeuvrability, capable of reaching speeds over 200 km/h during hunting dives.

Strength 90

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

With its robust build and ability to take down medium-sized birds and even Arctic hares, the Gyrfalcon demonstrates impressive strength. Its powerful strikes and ability to carry substantial prey highlight its formidable physical prowess.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Gyrfalcons show notable adaptability by thriving in harsh Arctic environments and across various habitats from sea level to 1,500 metres elevation. Some individuals even remain in their territories year-round, adapting to extreme conditions including the polar night.

Aggressiveness 80

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive towards humans, Gyrfalcons display considerable aggression in hunting and territorial behaviour. Their powerful hunting style, willingness to take on relatively large prey, and fierce defence of nesting sites indicate a high level of assertiveness.

Endurance 88

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Gyrfalcon's endurance is evident in its ability to perform long, high-speed chases and survive in harsh Arctic conditions. Their partial migratory behaviour and capacity to remain active in extreme cold further demonstrate remarkable stamina and resilience.

Diet

Gyrfalcons primarily hunt medium-sized birds, with ptarmigan and seabirds forming a significant part of their diet. They also take Arctic hares and lemmings. These falcons employ high-speed chases and powerful strikes to capture prey in flight or on the ground.

Behaviour

Gyrfalcons are powerful and agile flyers, capable of high-speed pursuits and impressive aerial manoeuvres. They often perch on prominent rocks or cliffs, scanning for prey. During breeding season, pairs engage in spectacular courtship flights, performing intricate aerial displays.

Vocalisation

Gyrfalcons have a range of vocalisations, including a loud, repeated 'kak-kak-kak' call used during territorial disputes and breeding. They also produce softer chirps and wails during courtship. Their calls are generally deeper and more powerful than those of other falcon species.

Nesting & Breeding

Gyrfalcons form monogamous pairs and begin courtship in late winter. They typically nest on cliff ledges or rocky outcrops, sometimes using old nests of other large birds.

Females lay 2-5 eggs, which are pale cream with reddish-brown spots. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 35 days.

Chicks fledge after 7-8 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, learning hunting skills before becoming fully independent.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Gyrfalcons face threats from climate change affecting their Arctic habitats. Illegal capture for falconry and disturbance at nesting sites are ongoing concerns. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and monitoring population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

12,600 - 55,300 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Gyrfalcons in open tundra or mountainous areas
  • Scan cliff faces and rocky outcrops for perched birds
  • Observe for distinctive, powerful flight pattern
  • Listen for their loud, repetitive calls during breeding season
  • In North America, watch for them in coastal areas during winter

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Gyr

Family:

Falconidae

Average Lifespan

12 to 20 years

Predators

Adult Gyrfalcons have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks may fall prey to Arctic foxes, wolves, and occasionally other raptors.

Did You Know?

  1. Gyrfalcons can reach speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph) during hunting dives.
  2. They are the official bird of the Northwest Territories in Canada.
  3. Some Gyrfalcons in the High Arctic remain on their territories year-round, even during the polar night.

References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Falco rusticolus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22696500A206261845.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2019: Franke et al.

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