What is a Saker Falcon?

The saker falcon, or Falco cherrug, is a large bird of prey. Saker falcons show quite a variation in color and pattern. These birds range from a solid chocolate brown to a paler tan shade with dark brown streaks to gray to almost completely white. Males and females are similar in coloration. Like other birds in the falcon family, saker falcons have powerful hooked beaks and curved talons that are suited to hunting prey.

Although male and female saker falcons resemble each other in appearance, they do differ markedly in size, with the female being the larger of the two. Males average 18 inches (45 cm) in length, and females are about 22 inches (55 cm) long. Their wingspan is approximately 39-43 inches (100-110 cm) for full-grown males, and it is 47-51 inches (120-130 cm) in females. Females also significantly outweigh males, with weights averaging 2.1-2.9 pounds (970-1,300 g) and males weighing 1.6-2.2 pounds (730-990 g). With her greater size and ferocity in hunting, it is the female saker falcon that is the most valued by falconers.

Geographically, the saker falcon can be found over a wide area. The saker falcon breeds from eastern Europe to western China. When breeding season is finished, many of these birds will migrate south to winter in parts of Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, southern China and India. The saker falcon does not migrate in large flocks and, in fact, not all of the individual birds within a geographic population will migrate. Adult birds, particularly, might opt to remain in the same area to defend their territory.

For habitat, the saker falcon prefers landscapes that are very open, such as plains. This type of bird needs open areas in order to be able to hunt. It prefers open grassland with a few trees, but it also can be found in other habitats, such as mountains, deserts and forests.

Saker falcons are carnivorous. Mostly, their prey consists of small to medium-size mammals such as squirrels, gerbils and hares. When located near water, this type of falcon will also prey on aerial and ground-dwelling birds such as quail, pigeons and owls.

Breeding season is in early to mid-spring, when eggs are laid. Saker falcons do not build nests of their own but use either the ground or old stick nests abandoned by other birds. The female lays one clutch a year of two to six eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the chicks become completely independent in about 60-90 days.

The Saker Falcon is a large species of raptor known for its powerful build and agility in flight. Native to the open grasslands of Eurasia, it's a formidable hunter, preying on rodents and birds. With a wingspan of up to 130 cm, it's one of the larger falcons, recognized by its brown-grey plumage and distinct facial markings.

Saker Falcons are typically found across a broad range from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. They favor open landscapes such as steppes, plains, and semi-desert regions. During winter, they migrate south to warmer climates, with some reaching the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

Saker Falcons are carnivorous birds of prey, primarily feeding on small mammals like rodents and ground squirrels. They also hunt birds, such as pigeons and corvids, and occasionally insects. Their diet varies with availability, demonstrating their adaptability as predators in diverse habitats.

Yes, Saker Falcons are considered endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their population is declining due to habitat degradation, illegal trapping for falconry, and secondary poisoning. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent further decline and ensure their survival.

Saker Falcons typically breed once a year, laying 3-6 eggs in a clutch. They often use old nests of other birds, like corvids, and prefer nesting on cliffs or in tree hollows. The incubation period lasts about 28 days, with both parents involved in raising the young, which fledge approximately 50 days after hatching.

Conservation efforts for Saker Falcons include habitat protection, legal protection from hunting and trapping, and initiatives like the Artificial Nest Project to increase breeding success. International cooperation is also key, as these birds migrate across borders, necessitating a range-wide approach to their conservation.