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Saker Falcon |
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Falco cherrug (Saker Falcon) Family: Falconidae, Phylum: Chordata
Sub-catagories: Steppe Saker (Falco cherrug cherrug), Mountain Saker (Falco cherrug milvipes), Altai Saker (Falco cherrug altaicus) |
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Background Information |
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History: The Saker Falcon is believed by some to be the basis of the Turul myth of the Magyar people of Hungary. The bird visited Emese, wife of Ügyek (the descendant of Atilla) and caused her to be fertile with children. She is the grandmother of Arpad, the founder of Hungary and leader of the Magyar people. As early as 2000 BCE, falcons were being given as gifts and used to hunt in Ancient China. Mummified remains of Saker falcons have been found in Egyptian pyramids. From 733-1800 AD, falconry was in great popularity in Europe, and, "during the reign of Edward VIII, 1327-77, theft of a trained raptor was punishable by death" (pbs.org, 2009). William Shakespeare is known to have been a greatly skilled falconer.
Appearance: The Saker falcon is a large bird of prey tending to be about 18 inches tall with large eyes; a short, hooked beak; large feet; and pointed wings. It's wingspan is abnormally large at 47 to 51 inches. That's around 4 feet! Sakers exist in a wide range of colors and markings. They can be a rather standard deep brown to an ivory or tan base with brown bars or streaks on their breasts and underwing. In general, sakers have white or pale spots on their tail feathers, which differs from the usual dark markings of other falcons. Female Sakers are much larger, more territorial, and more ferocious hunters than are the males. |
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Regan Sowers |
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To contact us: |
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Joe Shaffer |
