About Falco cherrug J.E.Gray, 1834
The saker falcon, scientifically Falco cherrug J.E.Gray, 1834, is a large hierofalcon. It is larger than the lanner falcon and almost as large as the gyrfalcon, with a body length of 45–57 cm (18–22 in), a wingspan of 97–126 cm (38–50 in). Males weigh 730–990 g (26–35 oz), while females weigh 970–1,300 g (34–46 oz). It resembles a larger, browner gyrfalcon, and is larger and more heavily built than the closely related lanner falcon. Saker falcons typically have variable plumage. Males and females are identical in plumage, differing only in size. Young birds also share similar plumage aside from size, though they tend to be darker with more heavy streaking. The species' call is a sharp kiy-ee, or a repeated kyak-kyak-kyak. In terms of ecology, the saker falcon is a raptor that inhabits open grasslands, preferring areas with some trees or cliffs. It often hunts via horizontal pursuit, rather than the stoop from height used by peregrine falcons. It feeds mainly on rodents and birds; in Europe, ground squirrels and feral pigeons are its most common prey. This species usually does not build its own nest. Instead, it lays a clutch of 3–6 eggs in an old stick nest in a tree that was previously used by other large birds such as storks, ravens, or buzzards. It also frequently nests directly on cliffs. Saker falcon nests support a species-rich community of commensal insects. For use in falconry, the saker falcon has been used in the practice for thousands of years, and is highly regarded in falconry, similar to its very close relative the gyrfalcon. Swift and powerful, it is effective for hunting medium-sized to large-sized game bird species. Saker falcons can reach speeds of 120 to 150 km/h when hunting, and suddenly swoop down on their prey. Saker falcons can be hybridized with peregrine falcons to produce falcons used for controlling larger bird species considered pests.
