Gyrfalcons, like other falcons, eat mainly other birds. ... Gyrfalcons often hunt using a fast, low flight to chase their prey. Just before catching the prey, these falcons typically fly up and then dive straight down onto their prey. Prey can be taken in the air, on the ground, or occasionally even from water.

How does a Gyrfalcon catch its prey?

The Gyrfalcon's diet is made up primarily of birds, especially ptarmigans. While hunting, the bird relies on keen vision to spot prey. Upon sighting prey, the Gyrfalcon will initiate a chase that usually ends with the prey being knocked to the ground by a strong blow from the Gyrfalcon's talons.

What is a Gyrfalcon best known for?

Stocky, powerful, and beautiful, Gyrfalcon is, indeed, the ultimate falcon. No wonder our readers voted it one of the birds they want to see most. It makes its home all around the top of the world, breeding in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Russia, as well as North America.