aker This bird is not native to North America. It is a widespread bird found across most of Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia, and China. An adult male Saker falcon Plumage The Saker can vary from a dark brown to almost a cream color, but speckling through the breast and wings is typical. Morphology This bird is one of the largest falcon species and similar to the Gyr. Hunting Typical quarry caught with the Saker will be small to medium sized rodents, doves, and starlings. This bird has a very similar attack style to the Gyrfalcon and it is thought that they are closely related. Trivia The Saker is not terribly common in the United States. Personable birds, they have the unappealing trait of wanting to migrate in warm weather. This means flying them in the South, summer, or mid-afternoon isn't recommended. They are a favorite of the Arab falconers for their tenacious passion for the hunt. Commonly called the Steppe Saker. The male Saker is called a Sakerette. Links http://www.discoverit.co.uk/falconry/saker.htm http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/saker_falcon.htm All images and text Copyright © 2004 - 2008 - Lydia Ash