Bird Guide

Gyrfalcon vs Pygmy Falcon

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus

Large1.4 kgGrassland

The gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, being about the same size as the largest buteos but probably slightly heavier. Males are 48 to 61 centimetres (19 to 24 inches) long, weigh 805 to 1,350 grams (1 pound 12+1⁄2 ounces to 2 pounds 15+1⁄2 ounces), with average weights reported as 1,130 or 1,170 g (2 lb 8 oz or 2 lb 9+1⁄2 oz) and have a wingspan from 110 to 130 cm (43 to 51 in).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Derek Bakken from Minneapolis, MN · CC BY 2.0
Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)

Pygmy Falcon

Polihierax semitorquatus

Medium62 gShrubland

Adult pygmy falcons are 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and 54 to 76 g (1.9–2.7 oz) in weight. These birds are white-bellied, extending up to the face, with males having grey on their backsides, and females having a chestnut back. There are white "eye spots" on the nape. Juveniles have a brown back, duller than adult females, with a rufous wash on the breast. The flight feathers of the wings are spotted black and white (more black above, more white below); the tail is barred black and white. Their flight style is low and undulating.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Sri Srikumar · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Gyrfalcon and Pygmy Falcon.