The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon in the world, an apex predator of the Arctic that breeds on remote coastal cliffs. It comes in three color morphs — white, gray, and dark — and white birds from the High Arctic are among the most prized sightings in North American birding. It can bring down ptarmigan and even geese in level aerial pursuit.
Best time to see a Gyrfalcon
The best time to see a Gyrfalcon is December–March, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 348 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Gyrfalcon? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Gyrfalcon sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Gyrfalcon?
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