Species Profile
Saker Falcon
Falco cherrug
Quick Facts
Conservation
ENEndangeredAlso known as: Saker
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Appearance
The Saker Falcon is a large, powerful raptor with a robust build. Its upper parts are predominantly brown with pale edges, while the underparts are lighter, often buff-coloured with dark streaks. The head features a pale crown and a distinctive 'moustache' marking.
Females are noticeably larger than males, with broader wings and a heavier build. Juveniles have more pronounced streaking on their underparts and a bluish cere and eye-ring, which turn yellow in adults.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Markings
White underparts with brown streaks, dark brown upperparts. Females are similar to male but slightly larger.
Tail: Long and grey
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
Saker Falcons inhabit wide-open landscapes, including steppes, grasslands, and semi-deserts across a vast range from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation and elevated perches for hunting.
During winter, some populations migrate south to warmer regions, including parts of the Middle East and North Africa. They are occasionally spotted as rare vagrants in the UK.
Distribution
Diet
Saker Falcons primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, particularly ground squirrels and hares. They also hunt birds, including pigeons and partridges.
These falcons employ a combination of high-speed chases and surprise attacks to catch their prey, often pursuing them close to the ground.
Behaviour
Saker Falcons are known for their swift, powerful flight and impressive aerial hunting skills. They often hunt close to the ground, using their speed and agility to catch prey.
During the breeding season, pairs engage in spectacular aerial displays, including high-speed chases and mock attacks.
Calls & Sounds
Saker Falcons are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship and nesting, they produce a series of loud, harsh 'kree-kree-kree' or 'kek-kek-kek' calls. These vocalisations are often heard during territorial displays or when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Saker Falcons typically breed between March and June. They form monogamous pairs and often reuse nesting sites from previous years. These falcons do not build their own nests but utilise abandoned nests of other large birds or cliff ledges.
Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are creamy-white with reddish-brown markings. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 30-32 days while the male provides food.
Chicks fledge after 45-50 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks afterwards, gradually developing their hunting skills.
Conservation
The Saker Falcon faces significant threats due to habitat loss, electrocution on power lines, and illegal capture for falconry.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, artificial nest provision, and stricter trade regulation. Captive breeding programs aim to bolster wild populations in some regions.
Population
Estimated: 12,200 - 29,800 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Decreasing[2]
Population decreasing due to threats
Elevation
Up to 4,700 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 5cm x 4cm
- Predators:
- Adult Saker Falcons have few natural predators, but their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to large owls, ravens, and climbing mammals.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, loud 'klee-klee-klee' or 'kek-kek-kek'
- Breeding age:
- 2-3
- Maturity age:
- 1-2
- Feeding times:
- Dawn and dusk
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, persecution, collision with power lines
- Parental care:
- Female mainly incubates with male bringing her food, then both will feed nestlings
- Primary calls:
- Series of high-pitched notes
- Social habits:
- Solitary outside of breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Buff to reddish-brown with dark markings
- Feeding habits:
- Hunts from a perch or in flight, often taking prey in the air
- Breeding season:
- Spring, mainly April to May
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with location and prey availability
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 45-50 days
- Average lifespan:
- 15
- Call description:
- Loud, repeated 'klee-klee-klee' or 'kek-kek-kek'
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, hunting in the morning and evening
- Nesting location:
- Cliff ledges, tree nests, occasionally on the ground
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- Around 30 days
- Nest construction:
- No nest, eggs laid in existing nest or on bare ground
- Migration patterns:
- Northern populations migrate south in winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Partial migrant, with some populations remaining in breeding range year-round
- Age related changes:
- Changes in plumage brightness and beak coloration
- Prey capture method:
- Stooping and pursuit
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many countries, captive breeding programs, reintroduction efforts
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nesting and hunting territories
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year
- Special dietary needs:
- None
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-6 eggs, usually three or five
- Interaction with other species:
- Occasionally interacts with other bird species
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Saker Falcons in open landscapes, especially grasslands and steppes
- Observe power lines and poles, which they often use as perches
- Listen for their loud, raspy calls during breeding season
- Watch for their distinctive hunting behaviour close to the ground
Did You Know?
- Saker Falcons can reach speeds of up to 200 mph (321 km/h) in a hunting dive.
- They have been used in falconry for over 3,000 years.
- Their name comes from the Arabic 'saqr', meaning falcon.
- They are thought to be able to possibly live for 20-25 years, and there are even reports that they can live for up to 29 years. However, these have not been confirmed.
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