Kids Learning Zone
Coloring pages
Virtual Zoo
Parenting Zone
Baby Names
Parenting Articles
Search
   
   
   
   
   
   

Kid's Learning Zone   »   Virtual Zoo   »   Gyrfalcon

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.

Photos with Gyrfalcon:

See Gyrfalcon Coloring pages