Species Profile
Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
12–20 years
Length
48–61 cm
Weight
800–2100 g
Wingspan
110–130 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Gyr, Gyr Falcon
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Brown
- Beak
- Blue
- Legs
- Yellow
Markings
Black streaks on chest and belly. Sexes similar plumage, but distinguishable by size, with females being considerably larger.
Tail: Long, broad, and square-ended
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
Estimated: 12,600 - 55,300 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Stable[2]
Overall population is stable, with some local fluctuations
Elevation
Sea level to 1,500 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 5.7cm x 4.5cm
- Predators:
- Adult Gyrfalcons have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks may fall prey to Arctic foxes, wolves, and occasionally other raptors.
- Alarm calls:
- A loud, harsh 'kyaah'
- Breeding age:
- 3
- Maturity age:
- 2
- Feeding times:
- Morning and evening
- Major threats:
- Habitat destruction, hunting, climate change
- Parental care:
- Both parents involved in raising chicks
- Primary calls:
- Loud, raucous 'ki-ki-ki-ki-ker'
- Social habits:
- Solitary, except during breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Creamy white with brown markings
- Feeding habits:
- Hunts from the air, often striking prey in mid-flight
- Breeding season:
- Late spring to early summer
- Diet variations:
- Varies with location and season, with birds and mammals making up the majority of the diet
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 45-50 days
- Average lifespan:
- 13
- Call description:
- Rapid, repeated notes
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, hunting in the morning and evening
- Nesting location:
- Cliff ledges, often reusing old nests of other birds
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- Around 35 days
- Nest construction:
- Sparse, lined with feathers and other soft materials
- Migration patterns:
- Partial migration, with some populations moving south in winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Partially migratory, with populations in northern areas moving south in winter
- Age related changes:
- Changes in plumage brightness and coloration
- Prey capture method:
- Stooping and pursuit
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many regions, with conservation efforts focused on maintaining suitable habitats
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends large territories, especially during breeding season
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, with pairs often returning to the same nest site each year
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 1-5 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Does not typically interact with other bird species
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
Did You Know?
- 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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