The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon species globally, renowned for its powerful build and exceptional hunting skills. This raptor's plumage varies greatly, ranging from nearly all white in northern regions to shades of gray or dark brown further south. Its broad wings and robust body are well-suited for long flights and high-speed pursuits.
The Gyrfalcon inhabits Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in cold, open environments such as tundras, mountainous regions, and coastal cliffs. In winter, it may migrate southwards depending on food availability.
Its diet primarily consists of birds, such as ptarmigans, ducks, and gulls, although it occasionally preys on small mammals like lemmings. It hunts by flying swiftly and low over the ground or water, using powerful strikes to catch its prey.
The Gyrfalcon is solitary and highly territorial, particularly during the breeding season. It nests on cliffs or reuses abandoned nests of other large birds. Females lay 2-4 eggs, which both parents protect and incubate.
Due to its remote habitat, the Gyrfalcon faces fewer threats from human activity. However, climate change and habitat disturbances pose potential risks. This majestic bird is admired as a symbol of strength and endurance, embodying the wild and untamed Arctic.
                                
 
                                Ronald Pol (1977) is a nature photographer from Deventer, the Netherlands. It was during a trip to Africa that his passion for nature photography started. The main focus is on the photography of animals (portraits and behaviour), but a variety of other subjects are photographed as well... Read more…
 
                         Water drops on the tendril of a Passion FlowerRonald Pol
Water drops on the tendril of a Passion FlowerRonald Pol Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)Ronald Pol
Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)Ronald Pol Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)Ronald Pol
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)Ronald Pol Dwarf Beardless Iris against a white backgroundRonald Pol
Dwarf Beardless Iris against a white backgroundRonald Pol Dwarf Beardless Iris against a white backgroundRonald Pol
Dwarf Beardless Iris against a white backgroundRonald Pol Pink Calla lily against white backgroundRonald Pol
Pink Calla lily against white backgroundRonald Pol Fog above the river IJsselRonald Pol
Fog above the river IJsselRonald Pol Common Raven (Corvus corax)Ronald Pol
Common Raven (Corvus corax)Ronald Pol Feathers of a Green PeafowlRonald Pol
Feathers of a Green PeafowlRonald Pol View on Deventer just before sunriseRonald Pol
View on Deventer just before sunriseRonald Pol Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)Ronald Pol
Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)Ronald Pol Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol Eurasian Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus)Ronald Pol
Eurasian Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus)Ronald Pol Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)Ronald Pol Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)Ronald Pol Eurasian Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus)Ronald Pol
Eurasian Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus)Ronald Pol