Gyrfalcon is the largest of all the falcon species. The scientific name of
Gyrfalcon is falco which means hook shaped. Gyrfalcon can be seen on Arctic
coasts and islands of North America, Europe, Greenland, Iceland and Asia. They
are also called as "Large Northern Falcon". Males have a body length
of 48 to 61 centimeters long and weigh up to a maximum weight of 805 to 1350
grams including a wingspan of 110 to 130 centimeters long.
Females are rather heavier in comparison to males, and range to a body length
of 51 to 65 centimeters and weighs up to 1180 to 2100 grams. They mainly eat
ptarmigan and grouse but they also consume seabirds, waterfowl, ground squirrels,
and lemmings. To chase their prey, they make use of fast and low flight and
hunt them. Just before they catch their prey they fly up and then dive straight
down onto their prey.
Gyrfalcon usually lays 3 to 5 eggs, in the arctic regions they frequently
begin breeding and laying eggs when the temperature is still below zero degrees
Fahrenheit. The size of an egg is 58.46 x 45 mm and the average weight is 62
g and young falcons leave their nests 6 to 7 weeks after hatching and mature
after 2 to 3 weeks. In medieval times, the Gyrfalcon was considered the king's
bird.
