Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon

The largest member of the falcon family is the gyrfalcon. It has long pointed wings and long tail. The gyrfalcon is commonly found in cold, open terrain. The gyrfalcon is a non-migratory bird, living near its breeding grounds as opposed to following prey south as seasons change. Gyrfalcons fly low to the ground and will pursue their prey for long periods of time trying to knock it down. With age the plumage colour of the gyrfalcon changes. In the first phase the gyrfalcon is quite light, almost white is appearance. In the later phases the plumage darkens, becoming more heavily barred. The gyrfalcon is found in northern regions such as Siberia, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Alaska and northern Canada. [BM] {FW}