The Gyr Falcon is the largest species
of falcon in the world, inhabiting
mountains and tundra in Northern
regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
This formidable falcon is capable of
taking prey upto 3 times it's size.
In comparison to smaller falcons like
the Peregrine, that rely on fast
vertical stoops, the Gyr is capable of
sustaining horizontal pursuits when
chasing it's quarry. The plumage differs
across it's distribution, with the main
variations, or 'morphs', being white,
silver, brown and black. It is related
to the Saker Falcon and cross breeding
has been observed in the Altai Mountains
of North West Asia. The Gyr Falcon
almost invariably nests on cliff faces.
Breeding pairs do not build their own
nests and often use a bare cliff ledge
or the abandoned nest of other birds.
1 - 5 eggs are laid and incubated for
upto 35 days.
