Gyrfalcon
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Falco rusticolus
The gyrfalcon is the largest member of the falcon family (56 cm or 22 in. long). It visits Alberta only as a rare wanderer during the winter months. Several color variations from white to near black exist but most are classified simply as light or dark phases. Light gyrfalcons may be pure white, or white with black spotting on the crown, back and sides, and black bars on the primaries (longest wing feathers). Dark gyrfalcons may be black, or more commonly an ash-grey with white streaking on the undersides. The white or light phase is common in the eastern high Arctic, whereas the darkest birds are found in northern Labrador area.
The gyrfalcon is an Arctic bird with a circumpolar range. In the summer it inhabits Arctic and subarctic regions near cliffs or mountains, either inland or along the coast line. Winter range includes open or lightly wooded terrain from the breeding grounds irregularly to southern Canada. Lemmings, ground squirrels, hares and ptarmigan are the major sources of food on the tundra. In Alberta, voles, rabbits and game birds are preyed upon during the winter.
Three to 4 buff-colored eggs with heavy markings of reddish brown are laid in nests on the ledges of cliffs.
When falconry was at its height in Europe, the gyrfalcon was reserved only for royalty. It was used to hunt grouse and ducks and often larger game, including herons and geese.
