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Saker Falcon
Falco cherrug
Saker falcons are the second largest falcon species in the world, smaller only than the Gyrfalcon. These powerful birds are recognizable by their brown underbellies and contrasting grey flight feathers, with streaking on their breast.
Range & Habitat
This species breeds from Eastern Europe eastward across Asia and prefers open grassy landscapes such as desert edge, semi-desert, steppes, agricultural and arid montane areas.
Conservation Status: Endangered
This species' population is in serious decline, largely due to habitat loss and capture for the falconry trade.
Diet
In the Wild: Ground squirrels, rabbits and other rodents.
At the Zoo: Chicken, rats, mice and quail.
Life Span
In the Wild: up to 15 years
In Human Care: 25+ years
In Human Care: 25+ years
Fun Facts about the Saker Falcon
- The Saker falcon is adapted for horizontal hunting, swooping low over open ground to catch rodents or ground-dwelling birds.
- The Saker falcon is the national bird of Hungary and a Hungarian mythological bird, the Turul, was probably a Saker falcon.
- In Disney's "Mulan," the Hun leader Shan Yu owns a Saker falcon called Hayabusa.
- Falcons can reach speeds up to 200 mph in pursuit of prey.
Sources
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird site: https://ebird.org/species/sakfal1
Carolina Raptor Center: Saker Falcon, http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/learn/resident-birds/bird-directory/falcons/saker-falcon/
Animalia.bio website: Saker Falcon, http://animalia.bio/saker-falcon#:~:text=These%20birds%20also%20suffer%20from,and%20accidental%20poisoning%20through%20pesticides.
Updated June 13, 2023
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