The Gyrfalcon – the Strongest and Most Agile Falcon on Earth

This majestic, large predator from the north has been known to humans since the 12th century. The bird’s popular name comes from the Old Slavic word krečetъ, meaning “to make loud sounds, to scream.” Scientists, however, use the Latin term Falco rusticolus to refer to these birds, which belong to the order Falconiformes, family Falconidae. Unfortunately, both names have fallen out of use in recent decades, as the Gyrfalcons are now on the brink of extinction and are listed in the Red Book.

Description

These birds are considered the largest of the falcons. They have a robust body structure. Interestingly, females are larger than males: a male weighs about 1 kg, while the females weigh between 1.5 and 2 kg. The overall length of these predatory birds is 55-60 cm.

The Gyrfalcon’s beak is sharply pointed, and a notch typical of falcons can be seen on the upper mandible. The feathers on their wings and tail are elongated and tapered at the tips. Their legs are predominantly yellow, and their shanks are feathered two-thirds of the way down.

The plumage of Gyrfalcons can range from silvery white to dark brown. Occasionally, black plumage is found, but this coloring is atypical and only seen in females. The back is always speckled and darker, while the down on the belly and cheeks becomes almost white. As they mature, the plumage of Gyrfalcons can change several times, with their final color achieved by age 5.

Their gaze is very expressive, and regardless of the body’s coloration, the iris is always dark. This is due to the fact that these predatory birds hunt during the day.

The wingspan of a Gyrfalcon can reach 130–135 cm. Their flight is fast and swift, and they can accelerate to speeds of up to 100 m/s if necessary. They don’t soar in the sky but rise vertically. Their attacks on prey are nearly instantaneous.

In the Middle Ages, noble falconers used Gyrfalcons extensively for hunting. Falcons with lighter plumage were especially prized, as it was easier to follow their flight from the ground. But once firearms were invented, Gyrfalcons became less needed and were actively hunted. Illegal poaching continues to this day, although people now recognize the vital role these high-flying predators play in the ecological chain.

Habitat

The Gyrfalcon’s habitat includes the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. These falcons can be found near the polar circle in northern Europe, Asia, and America. For example, some subspecies nest on the Commander Islands, in Greenland, and Scandinavia, while others prefer to live and hunt in the Altai.

If the winter in their habitat is too harsh, they migrate south. During these periods, they can be found in the forest-tundra, steppes, and even along coastlines. However, when spring arrives, they return to their abandoned nests. Gyrfalcons living in mountainous regions descend to valleys during cold spells because it’s easier to find food there in such unfavorable conditions.

Some species lead a sedentary lifestyle. Thanks to their thick plumage, they can withstand even extreme cold temperatures and don’t need to migrate, choosing a nest once and for all.

Gyrfalcons prefer to settle on cliff ledges sheltered from rain and wind, from which they have a good view of their surroundings and can watch for prey. With their keen eyesight, sharp talons, powerful beak, and ability to attack suddenly, Gyrfalcons are called the “kings of the sky.” They live up to this title, rarely missing their target while hunting. However, they don’t tolerate competition and maintain a low nest density—no more than one pair per 100 square meters.

Interesting Facts about Gyrfalcons

1. They kill prey in mid-air. Sometimes, a single strike with their wings is enough.
2. They don’t build their own nests but take over nests from other birds, asserting their dominance.
3. They are territorial. There is evidence of generations of one falcon family living in the same nest for over 300 years.
4. To thrive, they need 200 grams of meat daily.
5. Gyrfalcons sometimes hunt fish, amphibians, and small mammals, but their favorite prey is the white ptarmigan.
6. They never hunt near their own nests, but they fiercely protect their hunting grounds from competitors.
7. In the wild, Gyrfalcons live up to 20 years and are rarely sick, but they are highly susceptible to human infections. Their lifespan in captivity is significantly shorter.
8. They mate for life, but males and females only stay together during the breeding season.
9. Gyrfalcon chicks leave the nest about four months after hatching.
10. An adult Gyrfalcon is stronger than a bear and can take down a gazelle.
11. In the past, a trained Gyrfalcon was more valuable than a thoroughbred horse. The Duke of Burgundy once ransomed his son from captivity with 12 white Gyrfalcons.
12. They can spot small prey from a distance of 1 km.
13. Many Gyrfalcons die after being caught in poachers’ traps set for fur-bearing animals.
14. On the black market, a wild-caught Gyrfalcon can cost up to $30,000.
15. There are special breeding facilities dedicated to raising these noble falcons.

Due to the inaccessibility of their nesting areas, it’s difficult to accurately assess the number of Gyrfalcons in the wild. However, it’s known that their population is critically low. In an effort to conserve the species, Russia, the USA, and Japan have signed environmental agreements aimed at increasing their population. After all, it’s not their natural predator—the golden eagle—but humans who pose the greatest threat to these magnificent aerial hunters.