Saker Falcon - Falco cherrug

‘Saker’ is derived from the Arabic word saqr, meaning falcon.

Males and females may change partners from one year to the next. Saker falcons living in Russia are migratory and escape the harsh continental climate, heading off down south. Saker Falcon pairs nest in trees or cavities in rocks. They may nest in mountain sides at heights of up to 4,700 m. It has a varied habitat, ranging from rainforests, wooded and semidesert steppes, and open plains.

First chick hatched at Le Rocher des Aigles: 20 May, 1997

CLASS : Aves
ORDER : Falconiformes
FAMILY : Falconidae
WINGSPAN : 1.3 m
WEIGHT : Male 730-990 g / Female 970-1300 g
CLUTCH SIZE : 3-5 eggs
INCUBATION : 30 days
LIFE EXPECTANCY : 22 years
DIET : small birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects
NATURAL HABITAT : it nests on cliffs or in trees.
RANGE : Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe

Conservation status info

 

EN : Endangered

In Europe, this species is threatened by the loss or degradation of its habitat (intensive farming) and a reduction in sources of food. It has also been taken from the wild for use in falconry, which has caused localised extinction. Elsewhere, the decline can mainly be attributed to them being taken for falconry. Persecution, the use of pesticides and the deployment of agrochemical products play a lesser role.