Gyrfalcon
Falco rusticolus
The gyrfalcon ( or ) (Falco rusticolus), also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey and the largest species in the falcon family, Falconidae.
About the Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon ( or ) (Falco rusticolus), 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. For centuries, the gyrfalcon has been valued as a hunting bird. Typical prey includes the ptarmigan and waterfowl, which it
Fun Facts About Gyrfalcon
- Typical prey includes the ptarmigan and waterfowl, which it may attack in flight; and it also hunts fish and small mammals.
- The gyrfalcon ( or ) (Falco rusticolus), also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey and the largest species in the falcon family, Falconidae.
- Some gyrfalcons disperse more widely after the breeding season or in winter, and individual vagrancy can take birds for long distances.
- Like other falcons, it shows sexual dimorphism, with the female much larger than the male.
- Its plumage varies with location, with birds being coloured from all-white to dark grey-brown.
Conservation Status
The Gyrfalcon is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | Falco rusticolus |
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Other species in the Falconidae family: