Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Falcons and Caracaras

Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus

The gyrfalcon, also abbreviated as gyr, is a bird of prey and the largest species in the falcon 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 grey-brown. These colour variations are called morphs. Like other falcons, it shows sexual dimorphism, with the female much larger than the male.

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Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Gyrfalcon requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

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📘 ID Reference Card

Raptor ID Pocket Reference

Compact pocket-card format — print & fold. Covers plumage, field marks, and song mnemonics.

Expedition Prep

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