Saker Falcon Falco cherrug

Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
The Saker Falcon's native range is from Eastern Europe across to East Asia.
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
It is one of the most agile hunters, swooping fast to the ground for small rodents.
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
Its agility makes it popular in falconry.
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon (Altai)
The Saker Falcon has a streaked head, a spotted or streaked underside and a brown back, usually with light-bordered feathers.
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
Male and female have similar plumage, though the male is often whiter.
Saker Falcon
Saker Falcon
Saker or Gyr-saker Falcon
Both underside and back colour can vary acrosss their range and between individuals from light, mid or dark and hybrids with other large falcons in its native range (gyr, lanner) occur. The lighter Sakers can look similar to Gyr falcons.
Saker Falcon Altai?
Saker Falcon
The falcon above is also a Saker (Altai Saker) but is a juvenile which is much darker and streakier than the adult. Juvenile Lanner falcons look similar (dark and streaky).