Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus · Species of bird
Order
Falconiformes
Codes
gyrfal, GYRF, GYFA

About the Gyrfalcon

The gyrfalcon, also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey in the genus Falco and the largest species of the family Falconidae. A high-latitude species, the gyrfalcon breeds on the Arctic coasts and tundra, the islands of northern North America and Siberia, where it is mainly a resident species. Some gyrfalcons disperse more widely after the breeding season or in winter, and individual vagrancy can take birds for long distances. Its plumage varies with location, with birds being coloured from all-white to dark brown. These colour variations are called morphs. Like other falcons, it shows sexual dimorphism, with the female much larger than the male.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderFalconiformes
FamilyFalcons and Caracaras (Falconidae)
SpeciesFalco rusticolus
Species Codesgyrfal, GYRF, GYFA

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Gyrfalcon belong to?

The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) belongs to the Falcons and Caracaras family (Falconidae), in the order Falconiformes.

How can I identify the Gyrfalcon?

The gyrfalcon, also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey in the genus Falco and the largest species of the family Falconidae. A high-latitude species, the gyrfalcon breeds on the Arctic coasts and tundra, the islands of northern North America and Siberia, where it is mainly a resident species. Some...

Where can I report a Gyrfalcon sighting?

You can log sightings of Gyrfalcon on eBird (ebird.org) using species code gyrfal, or on iNaturalist.