None of the falcons build their own nests, Gyrfalcons often utilize old eagle or raven nests and are most often found on cliff faces. Although like all falcons Gyrfalcons prefer to prey upon other birds, they also eat mammals more commonly than their kin and in general have the most mixed diet of the falcons. The name gyrfalcon is likely from the same root as “gyr” in gyroscope and refers to the circling pattern of the hunting flight. The white morph has always been the most valued, in some exchanges being worth the same as a small estate. The tendency of evolution towards paler coloring as populations extend to colder and drier climates is known in biology as “Gloger’s Rule”, and drove falcon collector’s further and further north in search of the treasured white Gyrfalcon. The Gyrfalcon is polymorphic, meaning that populations and individuals show a large variety in plumage coloration, with those to the south tending darker and the arctic populations the palest. “Turning and turning in the widening gyre The outrage led to uprising and the course of history was changed by a bird.

The Liao had instated a tax for which agents were allowed to use force to collect Gyrfalcons from tribal bands in the north as a tribute. This noble bird was also the source of a major rebellion that led to an overthrow of the Liao dynasty in China and the establishment of the Jin dynasty. Of course the King’s personal falconers would still have been able to collect birds for the King’s mew. These were the first laws in England set forth specifically to protect a species of bird in the wild. For killing an adult Gyrfalcon the perpetrator would have their eyes poked out. The punishment for destroying a Gyrfalcon’s egg was imprisonment for a year. Instead a greater treasure was demanded, 12 white Gyrfalcons was the price of the Duke’s freedom.Īs well as being treasured, the Gyrfalcon was well protected. In the 14 th century the crusading Duke of Burgundy was captured and the Ottoman Sultan refused to accept an enormous ransom of 200,000 gold ducats. relate how Gyrfalcons were sent in tribute to royals in China. Japanese records dated from the second century B.C. The noble Gyrfalcon, largest of the falcons, has traditionally been reserved for royalty and was a valued treasure in ancient times in Europe, Asia and the mid-east. Of all the raptors in Alaska perhaps Gyrfalcons are most intertwined with human history.

Gyrfalcon symbol