dark phase

dark phase dark phase flying European distribution perched and taking off

Identification

Imagine a falcon which is considerably larger than a Peregrine, weighing almost twice as much. Now imagine that its plumage is a pure snowy white colour and that it lives in the Siberian Arctic, chasing down prey up to the size of a Barnacle Goose and you can see why the Gyr Falcon is so highly prized amongst both birdwatchers and falconers. Sadly, the Gyr Falcons which breed in Europe are almost exclusively of the less glamorous dark morph which is dull grey rather than pure white but still impressively powerful. Apart from sheer bulk, they can be told from Peregrines by their lead-grey rather than blue-grey upperparts, less obvious black mask and pale panels in their primaries which make the wings look patchy.

Habitat

Adults resident in Arctic mountains and coasts, nesting on sea cliffs and rocky outcrops. Juveniles often move south in winter.

Migration

Generally sedentary although some birds will winter in Britain and Europe.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Gyr Falcon is classed as Rare: species currently considered for acceptance by the British Birds Rarities Committee (or forms of equivalent rarity).

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada 27/02/2005	Okanagan Valley, Canada 27/02/2005	Rhossili Bay, Gower, Glamorgan 27/03/2010	Braunton Marsh, Devon 18/03/2010	Braunton Marsh, Devon 18/03/2010
Islay, Argyll 30/01/2010	Widemouth Bay, Cornwall 07/01/2010	Loch Gorm, Argyll 21/03/2009	Loch Gorm, Argyll 21/03/2009	Loch Gorm, Argyll 21/03/2009

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This species has been reported in the following areas (Bird News Extra subscribers can click a county name for more details):

Gyr Falcon breeds in the following countries (Bird News Extra subscribers will see population statistics and information on trends for each country):

Finland
Greenland
Iceland
Norway
Russia
Sweden

http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob3180.htm   BTO BirdFacts: Gyr Falcon	Edit this link
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	Islay Gyr Delight - A Personal Quest	Monday 4th March 2002

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