gyrfalcon

gyr·fal·con

noun \ˈjər-ˌfal-kən, -ˌfȯl- also -ˌfȯ-kən\

Definition of GYRFALCON

: an arctic falcon (Falco rusticolus) that occurs in several color forms and is the largest of all falcons

Illustration of GYRFALCON

Origin of GYRFALCON

Middle English gerfaucun, from Anglo-French girfauc, girfaucon, probably from gir vulture (from Old High German gīr) + faucon falcon

First Known Use: 14th century

gyrfalcon

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) with prey.—Shelly Grossman/Woodfin Camp & Associates

Arctic bird of prey (Falco rusticolus), the largest falcon. It may reach 2 ft (60 cm) in length. It breeds only in the North Pole region (and in some Central Asian highlands) but is sometimes seen at lower latitudes when food is scarce. It varies from pure white with black speckling to dark gray with barring. Its legs are fully feathered. It hunts near the ground for hares, rodents, and birds of the tundra and seacoast. In traditional falconry, the gyrfalcon was the bird of kings.