Falco rusticolus
Least Concern
Renowned as the world's largest falcon, the majestic Gyrfalcon is a bird of the harsh Arctic tundra. This striking raptor, swathed in a cloak of white, black, and gray, is a symbol of the unforgiving northern landscapes. Renowned for its power and endurance, the Gyrfalcon is a solitary hunter, its lethal stoop admired across cultures and continents.
Males and females have similar plumage
White
Gray
Black, Gray
White, Black
White
Gray
Short
Black
Black
Yellow
Yellow
Black streaks on chest and belly. Sexes similar plumage, but distinguishable by size, with females being considerably larger.
Darker than adults, with less distinct markings
Long, broad, and square-ended
Less square-ended
48cm to 64cm
Length
105cm to 140cm
Wingspan
769g to 2.15kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Gyrfalcon perching on wooden pole
Gyrfalcon feeding on prey
Gyrfalcon in-flight
Gyrfalcon feeding on prey in grassland
Gyrfalcon hunting in-flight
Portrait of a Gyrfalcon
Loud, raucous 'ki-ki-ki-ki-ker'
Rapid, repeated notes
A loud, harsh 'kyaah'
Active during the day, hunting in the morning and evening
Solitary, except during breeding season
Defends large territories, especially during breeding season
Partial migration, with some populations moving south in winter
Does not typically interact with other bird species
Birds, Mammals
Hunts from the air, often striking prey in mid-flight
Morning and evening
Stooping and pursuit
Varies with location and season, with birds and mammals making up the majority of the diet
None known
Cliff ledges, often reusing old nests of other birds
Sparse, lined with feathers and other soft materials
Late spring to early summer
One
Creamy white with brown markings
Approximately 5.7cm x 4.5cm
1-5 eggs
Around 35 days
Approximately 45-50 days
Both parents involved in raising chicks
Circumpolar, found throughout the Arctic and subarctic regions
Open tundra, cliff faces, and rocky coastlines
Sea level to mountainous regions, up to 1,500m
Partial migration, with some populations moving south in winter
Tundra, Mountain
Polar, Subpolar
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant
8
20
13 year(s)
2 year(s)
3 year(s)
Monogamous, with pairs often returning to the same nest site each year
Changes in plumage brightness and coloration
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat destruction, hunting, climate change
Protected in many regions, with conservation efforts focused on maintaining suitable habitats
Overall population is stable, with some local fluctuations
Other names:
White Falcon, Arctic Falcon
Family:
FalconidaePopulation size:
55,300
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.
Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
