
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Falco rusticolus
The largest falcon in the world; the pale morph is white overall, which gives the bird its Japanese name. Listed on CITES Appendix I, its transfer or sale requires a registration certificate. It breeds on Arctic tundra and in the surrounding forest, moving to open country in winter.
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is the largest falcon in the world, breeding around the Arctic in northern Eurasia and North America. It is about the size of the largest buteos but probably somewhat heavier, with pointed wingtips on broad-based wings and a tail slightly longer than a peregrine's. Pale, intermediate and dark morphs occur, and the white pale morph, which gives the bird its Japanese name, is white overall with black scaling above and fine dark markings below, some individuals lacking them entirely. It lives on Arctic tundra and in the surrounding forest and highlands, moving to open coast and moorland in winter. One account derives the English name from the Greek gyros, circle, for the bird's habit of circling as it searches for prey, and in falconry the male is called a gyrkin. Long associated with hunting and falconry, it is the official bird of Canada's Northwest Territories, and the white falcon in the crest of Iceland's coat of arms is a white gyrfalcon. A few birds reach Hokkaido and elsewhere in Japan in winter.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Gyrfalcon lives 15-20 years.
The Gyrfalcon grows to Males 48-61cm and 805-1,350g with a wingspan of 110-130cm; females 51-65cm and 1,180-2,100g with a wingspan of 124-134cm.
Males are 48-61 cm long and weigh 805-1,350 g, with reported averages of 1,130 or 1,170 g and a wingspan of 110-130 cm; females are bulkier at 51-65 cm, 1,180-2,100 g and a wingspan of 124-134 cm.
Origin
Arctic and subarctic northern Eurasia and North America; a few birds reach Hokkaido and elsewhere in Japan as winter visitors
Sources: Wikipedia - Gyrfalcon / Wikipedia - Gyrfalcon, Japanese edition (morphology, range)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Falco rusticolus Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: Falco gyrfalco
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Domestic law: As a designated internationally endangered species, transfer or sale requires a registration certificate, and only captive-bred birds are traded.
Falco rusticolus. CITES Appendix I. In Japan it is a designated internationally endangered species, so transfer or sale requires a registration certificate. It is not among Japan's designated dangerous animals, and because a few birds winter in Japan, wild individuals also fall under the wildlife protection law. Under appended table 2 of Japan's endangered species order, birds other than the subspecies intermedius may be transferred or sold with a registration certificate.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix I species) / IUCN Red List / Cabinet Order under the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, appended table (designated dangerous animals) / Wildlife Protection, Control and Hunting Management Act (Ministry of the Environment, Japan) / Cabinet Order under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, appended tables 1 and 2
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
Males 48-61cm and 805-1,350g with a wingspan of 110-130cm; females 51-65cm and 1,180-2,100g with a wingspan of 124-134cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Frozen raptor food such as quail, day-old chicks, pigeon and rats; in the wild birds and mammals, birds more often taken on the ground than in the air
As the largest falcon it needs a spacious weather-proof, predator-proof mews or tethered housing plus daily free flight. Being an Arctic bird it suffers in heat, so provide shade, ventilation and summer cooling.
A solitary hunter with no group sociability. Large and powerful, it has been prized in falconry for centuries, but handling demands real experience and sustained weight management.
When excited or defending a nest it repeats a harsh low call. It is not a persistent caller, but the volume matches its size.
CITES Appendix I. It is a designated internationally endangered species in Japan, so transfer or sale requires a registration certificate; only captive-bred birds are traded, so always check the certificate and provenance. It tolerates heat poorly and Japanese summers bring a real risk of aspergillosis, so temperature and hygiene must be managed closely.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Gyrfalcon is 15-20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Gyrfalcon typically reaches Males 48-61cm and 805-1,350g with a wingspan of 110-130cm; females 51-65cm and 1,180-2,100g with a wingspan of 124-134cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Gyrfalcon feeds on: Frozen raptor food such as quail, day-old chicks, pigeon and rats; in the wild birds and mammals, birds more often taken on the ground than in the air. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Gyrfalcon varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026