Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus


Identification Tips:

Adult-gray phase:

Adult-white phase:

Adult-dark phase:

Similar species:

The long, pointed wings and long tail mark this bird as being a falcon. It is most likely to be confused with other large falcons. The white phase Gyrfalcon is distinctive. The darker phases of the Gyrfalcon are somewhat similar to Prairie and Peregrine Falcons. The Gyrfalcon is larger, has broader wings and tail, and pale flight feathers contrasting with darker wing linings. The Prairie Falcon has a black underwing patch while the Peregrine has evenly dark underwings. At rest, the wingtips of the Gyrfalcon do not reach as far down the tail as the other falcons.