Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcons hunt both birds and animals. When the grouse and ptarmigan have an abundant population then the Gyrfalcons yield big clutches, but when the bird diet becomes scarce the Gyrfalcon may lay only a couple of eggs or do not mate at all. Most Gyrfalcons breed north of the timberline and remain in the Arctic all year. After breeding the female Gyrfalcon lays three to four eggs. About five weeks later the newborn birds hatch. In seven to eight weeks after hatching the young birds begin to fly. The Gyrfalcon has only one brood each year.

The Gyrfalcon's courage is great and they do not hesitate to attack stronger and much larger prey. Because of these qualities most falcons are destructive to other birds. Their bravery, fleetness, determination and skill challenges the admiration of man.

Falconers appreciate Gyrfalcons for sport falconry. This bird, used in the sport of falconry, is a bird most enthusiastic falconers can only dream of owning. When falconry flourished in old time Europe, only emperors and kings owned Gyrfalcons. Before Gyrfalcons were bred in captivity and offered for sale, rich Arabs paid up to $100,000 for a single white Gyrfalcon! The Gyrfalcon, in the days of yore in Old England, signified a person's rank in society that could be told by the bird on their wrist. The Gyrfacon was carried by royalty.

Gyrfalcons hold an important benefit as a tourist resource. Gyrfalcons are a chosen enticement to birders in the north. Opportunities for Gyrfalcon watching are good along the Firth River.

Gyrfalcons are less affected by contamination than other raptors.

The harvest of Gyrfalcons is forbidden under the Yukon Wildlife Act. Any person may take a Gyrfalcon, with a permit, for personal use.

The darker stage of the Gyrfalcon are similar to The Prairie and Peregrine Falcons. The Gyrfalcon is larger while the Prairie Falcon has a black underwing patch and the Peregrine has dark underwings.

The Conservation Status of the Gyrfalcon is rated as non threatened.

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