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A photo of a Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus

The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), the largest of the falcon species, is a bird of prey. The abbreviation gyr is also used. It breeds on Arctic coasts and tundra, and the islands of northern North America and the Eurosiberian region. It is mainly a resident there also, but some gyrfalcons disperse more widely after the breeding season, or in winter. Individual vagrancy can take birds for long distances. Its plumage varies with location, with birds being coloured from all-white to dark 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 may take in flight; it also takes fish and mammals.
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Gyrfalcons on Birda

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Grzegorz Długosz
Grzegorz Długosz
Tuesday 27 Jun 2023 - 1:10pm
Iceland
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Grzegorz Długosz
Grzegorz Długosz
Monday 26 Jun 2023 - 12:00am
Iceland
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Oli Bailey
Oli Bailey
Sunday 12 Mar 2023 - 12:50pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦢
AJ Dexter
Saturday 06 Aug 2022 - 3:41pm
United States
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