Storm, Peregrine x Gyr x Barbary Falcon
Latin Name
Falco peregrinus × Falco rusticolus
Family
Falconidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Peregrine × Gyr hybrids do not have an established natural wild population, so there is no recognised wild-life expectancy. Escaped falconry birds are occasionally recorded in the wild, but this does not provide enough evidence to calculate a typical lifespan.
Captivity: A well-cared-for Peregrine × Gyr hybrid may live for approximately 15–25 years. However, there is no extensive published longevity record specifically for this cross, so this figure is based partly on the parent species. Peregrine falcons have been recorded at 25 years old, while captive gyrfalcons may also survive well into their twenties.
Body size
There is no single official size range for a Peregrine × Gyr hybrid. A bird’s measurements depend on its sex, parent subspecies and whether it is a first-generation 50/50 hybrid or a later backcross.
As a general guide, a first-generation hybrid may measure approximately:
- Weight: 700–1,800g (1.5–4 lb), with females usually substantially heavier than males.
- Height/body length: 45–60cm (18–24 in).
- Wingspan: 105–125cm (41–49 in).
These should be treated as approximate figures. Peregrines measure around 36–49cm in length, while the larger gyrfalcon measures approximately 48–64cm. Individual hybrids may fall closer to either parent.
Their plumage is equally variable. Some resemble pale or grey gyrfalcons, while others inherit the darker head, bold moustache markings and barred underside of a peregrine.
Native habitat
Peregrine × Gyr hybrids do not have a native habitat because they are deliberately bred in human care and are not recognised as a naturally occurring wild population.
Their parent species come from very different but sometimes overlapping environments:
- Peregrine falcons occur across most of the world and inhabit cliffs, coastlines, mountains, wetlands, open countryside and cities.
- Gyrfalcons are native to Arctic and sub-Arctic tundra, rocky coastlines, islands and mountainous regions across northern Europe, Asia and North America.
Hybrid gyrfalcons are commonly kept and flown in falconry, but individuals seen living freely are generally escaped captive birds rather than members of a natural population.
Diet
Peregrine × Gyr hybrids are carnivorous and, like both parent species, are particularly well adapted to catching birds.
In human care, they are fed an appropriately balanced whole-prey diet that may include:
- Quail
- Pigeons
- Chicks
- Rats and mice
- Other suitable whole-prey items
When flown for falconry, they may be trained to pursue aerial quarry such as pigeons, pheasants, grouse or waterfowl. Individual hunting style varies: some inherit the peregrine’s tendency to climb high before performing a steep stoop, while others display more of the gyrfalcon’s powerful, sustained pursuit flight.
Peregrines naturally feed predominantly on birds, while gyrfalcons hunt ptarmigan, waterfowl, seabirds and occasional mammals such as hares and lemmings.
Get to know Storm
Storm is one of our older falcons and can be rather particular about the company he keeps. He has little patience for unfamiliar people and often behaves as though their very presence is wasting his valuable time, so we prefer to describe him as a snob rather than simply grumpy!
Storm flies beautifully for his handler and, on occasion, one other trusted member of the team. Anyone else who dares to collect him may be met with an audible sigh and a thoroughly unimpressed expression. Despite his selective nature, Storm is an exceptional pest-control falcon and a highly skilled aerial hunter, capable of catching crows in mid-air.
Fun Fact!
These hybrids are bred primarily for falconry and flying demonstrations. The aim is usually to combine the gyrfalcon’s larger size, strength and powerful level flight with the peregrine’s speed, agility and instinct to dive from height.
However, genetics are not a precise recipe. One hybrid may closely resemble a peregrine, another may look much more like a gyrfalcon, and their temperaments and flying styles can be equally individual. This variation is part of what makes hybrid falcons so distinctive.