Gyrfalcon Similar Species Comparison

Adult gray morph

Large, stocky falcon with variable plumage coloration. Gray morph birds are banded gray and white above or can be mostly gray without obvious banding.

Immature gray morph

Large falcon with a long tail. Juveniles are browner overall than adults and show a weak mustache mark. Underparts have vertical streaks.

Adult gray morph

Adult white morph

White morph birds are speckled black and white above with dark wingtips and a white tail. Some birds have dark banding on the tail.

Immature gray morph

Large falcon with a long tail (tail extends beyond wingtips). Highly variable plumage. Some gray juveniles look gray like this one; others look more brown. Note weak mustache.

Adult gray morph

Immature dark morph

Immature gray morph

Large falcon with highly variable coloration. Note long, banded tail and mustache stripe. In North America, gray birds are more numerous than the other morphs.

Adult gray morph

Adult white morph

Can be nearly all white below or show some dark spotting on the breast.

Immature gray morph

Large, stocky falcon with a long tail and pointed wings. Some individuals are heavily marked below.

Juveniles

Immature dark morph

Habitat