Gyrfalcon Bird Facts (Falco rusticolus)

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.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Gyrfalcon can be found in Tundra habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Gyrfalcon can be found in Mountain habitats.

The Gyrfalcon is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Gyrfalcon typically lives for 12 to 20 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

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.

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

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

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

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