Saker Falcon

The saker falcon, Falco cherrug, is a majestic bird of prey, notable for its robust size, which places it among the larger falcons. It is comparable in size to the gyrfalcon, with a length ranging from 45 to 57 centimeters and a wingspan of 97 to 126 centimeters. The males are typically lighter, weighing between 730 and 990 grams, while females are heavier, ranging from 970 to 1,300 grams. Its plumage is variable, generally displaying a brownish hue with darker streaks, especially in younger birds.

Identification Tips

When identifying the saker falcon, look for a large raptor with broad wings and a powerful build. It bears a resemblance to the prairie falcon but is distinguished by its larger size and more robust form. The saker's plumage is often a mix of brown tones with streaking below, and it possesses a sharp, piercing call that can be heard as a "kiy-ee" or a repeated "kyak-kyak-kyak."

Habitat

The saker falcon favors open grasslands that offer some degree of tree cover or cliffs. These environments provide the ideal hunting grounds for this raptor, allowing it to pursue prey across the plains or from elevated perches.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, breeding from Central Europe across the Palearctic to Manchuria. It is a partial migrant, with some populations remaining resident while others, particularly juveniles in Europe and West Asia, migrate to wintering grounds in the Sahel region.

Behaviour

Saker falcons are known for their horizontal hunting strategy, often chasing down prey across the ground rather than diving from great heights like the peregrine falcon. They are versatile hunters, preying on a variety of rodents and birds, with ground squirrels and feral pigeons being common targets in Europe.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the saker falcon include a sharp "kiy-ee" and a repetitive "kyak-kyak-kyak," which can be heard during interactions between individuals or when the bird is disturbed.

Breeding

Saker falcons typically do not construct their own nests but instead lay their eggs in abandoned stick nests originally built by other bird species, such as storks, ravens, or buzzards. They may also choose to nest on cliff ledges. Clutch sizes range from 3 to 6 eggs.

Similar Species

The saker falcon can be confused with the lanner falcon due to their similar size and appearance. However, the saker is generally larger and more heavily built than the lanner.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the saker falcon consists mainly of rodents and birds. They are skilled hunters, capturing their prey by swift pursuit across their grassland habitats.

Conservation status

The saker falcon is currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Its populations have suffered rapid declines, particularly in Central Asia, due to illegal trapping for falconry, habitat destruction, and other anthropogenic pressures. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs and targeted population surveys to better understand and protect this species.