ExploreBird

Saker Falcon

Falco cherrug

The Saker Falcon is a majestic bird of prey known for its swift flight and keen eyesight. It has beautiful brown and white feathers and a sharp beak for catching small animals.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Saker Falcon has a creamy white head with faint streaks and a broad, brown back. Its underside is pale with dark streaks, and it lacks the strong malar stripe seen on many other falcons, making its face appear lighter.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderFalconiformesFamilyFalconidaeGenusFalco

Saker Falcon

Interesting facts

Saker Falcons often nest in old stick nests of other large birds, like eagles, instead of building their own.

Some Saker Falcons hunt cooperatively, with one flushing prey while the other ambushes it!

Their name 'Saker' comes from an old Arabic word, meaning 'falcon,' showing their historical importance.

These falcons can be trained for falconry, a traditional sport where they hunt alongside humans.

Special abilities

Saker Falcons can fly incredibly fast horizontally, which helps them chase down quick prey across open plains.

Saker Falcons have exceptionally sharp vision that helps them spot tiny prey from very high in the sky.

Saker Falcons have strong, gripping talons that help them capture and hold onto medium-sized prey.

Measurements & details

Length: 47-55 cm
Wingspan: 105-129 cm
Weight: 0.7-1.3 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 200 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-6
Incubation: 30-32 days

Diet & Feeding

Saker Falcons are swift carnivores that mostly hunt rodents and medium-sized birds.

Primary Foods

ground squirrels
voles
gerbils
pigeons
larks
partridges

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Yellow ground squirrel

Spermophilus fulvus

Main prey in many parts of its range.

hunts

Rock Dove

Columba livia

Common avian prey, especially near human settlements.

hunts

Common Vole

Microtus arvalis

Important part of their diet in grasslands.

eaten by

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Bubo bubo

Preys on Saker nestlings and fledglings.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Steppe

Journey to open, treeless grasslands that stretch far and wide, experiencing cold winters and hot, dry summers.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.