Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a rare falcons and caracara found in 16 countries, weighing about 1.4 kg. The gyrfalcon, also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey and the largest species in the falcon family, Falconidae.
About the Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon, also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey and the largest species in the falcon family, Falconidae. A high-latitude species, the gyrfalcon breeds on the Arctic coasts and tundra, the islands of northern North America and Siberia, where it is mainly a resident species. Some gyrfalcons disperse more widely after the breeding season or in winter, and individual vagrancy can take birds for long distances. Its plumage varies with location, with birds being coloured from all-white to dark grey-brown. These colour variations are called morphs. Like other falcons, it shows sexual dimorphism, with the female much larger than the male.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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).
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Ukraine.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Gyrfalcon?
- The gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, being about the same size as the largest buteos but probably slightly heavier. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Gyrfalcon?
- The Gyrfalcon is a large sized bird weighing about 1.4 kg.
- Where can you see a Gyrfalcon?
- The Gyrfalcon occurs in 16 countries, including Sweden, Norway, Greenland, Iceland and Russia.
- What birds look similar to a Gyrfalcon?
- The Gyrfalcon is most easily confused with the Black Falcon, the Red-necked Falcon and the Grey Kestrel.
- Is the Gyrfalcon endangered?
- The Gyrfalcon is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Gyrfalcon for real
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