Falco rusticolus
An arctic dwelling species, the gyrfalcon is the world's largest falcon, between 21 - 22 inches in length and weighing, on average, between 2 - 4.5 pounds. The wings are long and pointed, the tail long. Adults have yellow ceres, eye rings and legs while immature birds have blue ceres, eye rings and legs. There are three recognized color phases, white, gray and dark. The latter being a dark, almost black, gray
Gender differences:
Males are smaller than the females
Habitat:
Arctic region away from boreal forests. Breeds normally north of 60 degrees latitude, out of breeding season can be found south to the northern United States.
Diet:
Small mammals and birds - primarily ptarmigan, arctic ground squirrel and arctic hare. Also taken are mice, voles, ducks, sparrows and buntings.
Reproduction:
Birds pair up for 6 weeks, eggs are laid near the end of April. Normally nests are on cliff faces though occasionally they will use old raven nests in trees. The average clutch is 4 eggs. The female does most of the incubation with a little help from her mate. Most recent information indicates that incubation time is 35 days and all the eggs hatch within a day or day and a half. Chicks are heavily downed as the female leaves to hunt after only 10days.
Other:
The gyrfalcon is a solitary bird except during breeding season. Non migratory but will move during winter to areas where prey can be found. It has no natural enemies but young or injured birds will be taken by fox, grizzly bear, horned owls and wolverines.
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