Gyrfalcon

Peak Migration: Rarely seen in Fall or Spring Migration

“Gyrfalcon” probably comes from Latin hierofalco for “sacred falcon.”

Other names: Greenland falcon, bird of kings, “Gyr” for short.

Hunting habits: Mostly birds, especially ptarmigans and grouse. Also alcids, gulls, jaegers, ducks, shorebirds, and snow buntings.

Migrating habits: A rare migrant at Hawk Ridge. Most often recorded late in the fall. Individuals have wintered in the Duluth/Superior harbor, feeding on pigeons.

Nesting habits: Usually nests on tall cliff ledge with protective overhang. Just makes a scrape in which to lay eggs (usually 4). Female does most of the incubating–it takes the eggs about 28 days to hatch, and the young first fly when about 46-49 days old.

Length: 50-61 cm

Wingspan: 110-130 cm

Weight: females about 1400-2100 grams; males 1000-1300 grams. In the world of raptors, females are bigger, stronger, and usually more aggressive than males.

Image Credits: Frank & Kate Nicoletti