| Gyrfalcon | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom Information | |
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Subkingdom | Bilateria |
| Branch | Deuterostomia |
| Phylum Information | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Sub-phylum | Vertebrata |
| Infraphylum | Gnathostomata |
| Class Information | |
| Superclass | Tetrapoda |
| Class | Aves |
| Sub-class | Neornithes |
| Infra-class | Neoaves |
| Order Information | |
| Superorder | Falconimorphae |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Sub-order | Accipitres |
| Infraorder | Falconides |
| Family Information | |
| Superfamily | Falconoidea |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Sub-family | Falconinae |
| Genus Information | |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species Information | |
| Species | F. rusticolus |
| Population statistics | |
| Population | ca. 110,000 (2004) |
| Conservation status | Least concern[1] |
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a bird of prey found in the Arctic, the largest of the true falcons.
Description
Gyrfalcons are large and broad-chested; approximately 22 inches long, with a wingspan of 48 inches. Unlike other falcons, when at rest the folded wings of gyrfalcons do not extend more than two-thirds down the length of the tail, and not to the tail-tip as in other falcons. Females are slightly larger than males.
The gyrfalcon is polymorphic, with three main color phases. Gray is the predominant morph, found throughout much of the range. Dark-gray to black morphs are found in Canada, while white morphs are found in Greenland.
Etymology
The name has its origins in 14th century Europe. Either Middle English (gerfaucun) or Anglo-French (girfauc) gave us the word, a combination of faucon ("falcon") and the Old High German word gīr (gier, i.e. "vulture")[2]
Range and habitat
Gyrfalcons are primarily found at or within the Arctic Circle during the summer months; in winter they are found further south, but are seldom seen below the 48o parallel worldwide, except as stragglers.