Common Name: Gyrfalcon
Scientific Name: Falco rusticolus
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 2001
History: In March 2011, this Gyrfalcon (pronounced JER-falcon) joined the Animal Ark family after an enclosure become available. Raised by a falconer, this captive born bird was in need of a new home and could not be released to the wild. After special arrangements were made and permits granted by the USFWS, this new falcon was donated to the sanctuary. The Gyrfalcon, which breeds in the arctic and subarctic regions, is the largest falcon in the world. It preys mostly on large birds with the ptarmigan being the main prey species, although mammals up to the size of a hare are also on the menu. Animal Ark has housed several falcons over the years but this is the first Gyrfalcon. He is a most welcome addition to our facility and education programs. We look forward to sharing with our visitors the specialized hunting abilities and habitat of this unique species.