Adult, gray morph. Photo: Scott Weins/Great Backyard Bird Count
Falco rusticolus
| Conservation status | Has declined in parts of arctic Europe, but North American populations are probably stable. Illegal taking of young for falconry could be a problem in some areas, but most nest sites are remote from human disturbance. |
|---|---|
| Family | Falcons |
| Habitat | Arctic barrens, seacoasts, open mountains. Breeds in Arctic regions having open tundra for hunting and cliffs for nesting sites. Often occurs along coasts and rivers, where prey may be more abundant. Mostly in treeless country, but occurs along the edges of northern forest in some places. Wintering birds south of Arctic tend to be either along coast or in very open country inland. |
Hunts by scanning its surroundings from a perch on a high rock, or while flying. Prey may be taken by surprise, the falcon approaching very low over the ground, or may be pursued relentlessly in flight over long distances.
Usually 3-4, sometimes 2-5. White or creamy white, spotted with reddish-brown. Incubation is by both parents, but female does more. Young: For first 1-3 weeks, young are brooded most of time, mostly by female; male does all or most of hunting during this time, bringing food which female feeds to the nestlings. After 2-3 weeks, female hunts also. Age of young at first flight about 45-50 days.
For first 1-3 weeks, young are brooded most of time, mostly by female; male does all or most of hunting during this time, bringing food which female feeds to the nestlings. After 2-3 weeks, female hunts also. Age of young at first flight about 45-50 days.
Mainly birds, some mammals. Feeds mostly on medium-sized to large birds. Ptarmigan are mainstays of diet on Arctic tundra, while coastal Gyrs may take more gulls, ducks, and geese, but numerous other species eaten on occasion. Also some mammals, including lemmings, ground squirrels, hares. Wintering birds in west have been seen taking birds as large as Sage Grouse.
Pairs may occupy nest sites very early in season, even in late winter. Members of pair display at nest site with bowing and scraping motions; male brings food to female. Nest: Most nest sites are on cliffs, and most are on old nests built by other birds, such as ravens or Golden Eagles. Sometimes breeds on open ledges with no nest structure present, and sometimes uses old nests in trees, such as spruce or poplar (tree nesting is frequent in some areas). Does not add material to existing nests.
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