Saker falcon

Their keen vision enables them to scan vast landscapes, identifying small movements or potential prey items even from high altitudes

Marc Haisenko


Saker falcon

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Their keen vision enables them to scan vast landscapes, identifying small movements or potential prey items even from high altitudes

Population 12,800 – 30,800
50-79% population decline over three generations

A magnificent bird of prey revered for its speed, agility, and formidable hunting prowess occupies a prominent place in the avian kingdom. With its sleek and aerodynamic physique, complemented by a wingspan spanning approximately 1 meter (4 feet), the Saker falcon embodies the epitome of aerial excellence, showcasing a mastery of flight that few other birds can rival.

Inhabiting vast expanses of grasslands, steppes, and open habitats across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, the Saker falcon is renowned for its versatility and adaptability to a diverse range of environments. From the windswept plains of Mongolia to the rugged mountainous terrain of the Caucasus, this remarkable raptor navigates its vast domain with grace and precision, embodying the spirit of freedom and exploration.

Despite its imposing stature and formidable appearance, the Saker falcon possesses a gentle side, displaying remarkable parental care and devotion to its offspring. During the breeding season, pairs of Saker falcons engage in elaborate courtship rituals, which may include breathtaking aerial displays and vocalizations to establish and reinforce their bond. Once paired, they collaborate tirelessly to construct sturdy nests atop cliffs, rock ledges, or even abandoned structures, where the female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents share the duties of incubation and chick-rearing.

One of the most remarkable feats of the Saker falcon lies in its unparalleled speed and agility during the hunt. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) in swift diving stoops, the Saker falcon executes precision strikes on unsuspecting prey with astonishing accuracy. From ground-dwelling rodents and small mammals to agile birds and even elusive insects, no quarry is beyond the reach of this formidable predator, whose keen eyesight and razor-sharp talons make it a fearsome hunter of the skies.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2021
Albania
2021
Vagrant
Algeria
2021
Passage
Armenia
2021
Austria
20–26 pairs
2021
Azerbaijan
2021
Non-Breeding
Bahrain
500-1,000
2021
Bangladesh
2021
Vagrant
Belarus
2021
Passage
Bhutan
2021
Vagrant
Bosnia And Herz.
2021
Bulgaria
1–10 pairs
2021
Burundi
2021
Vagrant
Cameroon
2021
Vagrant
Chad
2021
China
1,000–5,000 pairs
2021
Croatia
5–10 pairs
2021
Cyprus
2021
Passage
Czechia
8–15 pairs
2021
Denmark
2021
Vagrant
Djibouti
2021
Vagrant
Egypt
2021
Passage
Eritrea
2021
Estonia
2021
Passage
Ethiopia
2021
Finland
2021
Vagrant
France
2021
Passage
Georgia
2021
Germany
2021
Passage
Gibraltar
2021
Passage
Greece
2021
Passage
Hungary
350–500 pairs
2021
India
2021
Iran
2021
Iraq
2021
Israel
2021
Italy
2021
Jordan
2021
Kazakhstan
800–1450 pairs
2021
Kenya
2021
Non-Breeding
Korea
2021
Vagrant
Kuwait
500-1,000
2021
Kyrgyzstan
2021
Latvia
2021
Passage
Lebanon
2021
Libya
2021
Passage
Lithuania
2021
Passage
Mali
2021
Malta
2021
Passage
Mauritania
2021
Moldova
8–15 pairs
2021
Mongolia
2,000–5,000 pairs
2021
Montenegro
2021
Morocco
2021
Passage
Nepal
2021
Niger
2021
North Macedonia
2021
Passage
Oman
2021
Pakistan
2021
Poland
2021
Passage
Portugal
2021
Vagrant
Qatar
1,000
2021
Non-Breeding
Romania
2–12 pairs
2021
Russia
1,854–2,542 pairs
2021
European Russia
Saudi Arabia
4,000
2021
Senegal
2021
Vagrant
Serbia
22–32 pairs
2021
Slovakia
20–45 pairs
2021
South Sudan
2021
Non-Breeding
Spain
2021
Passage
Sudan
2021
Sweden
2021
Vagrant
Syria
2021
Tajikistan
2021
Tanzania
2021
Non-Breeding
Tunisia
2021
Passage
Turkey
5–70 pairs
2021
Turkmenistan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
UAE
500-1,000
2021
Uganda
2021
Vagrant
Ukraine
45–80 pairs
2021
Uzbekistan
2021
Yemen
2021

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No