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Saker Falcon
Falco cherrug
(F. c. cherrug)
| Armenian Name: | Բալոբան |
|---|---|
| Species Status: | Endangered Species - Species of Special Concern |
See Plate 12 for Saker Falcon and other similar species See Plate 15 for Saker Falcon and other similar species in flight
| Flight Characteristics: | Large broad wings, long tail, and bluntly-pointed dark wingtips. Variably dark underwing coverts contrast with paler bases of flight feathers. Rear flanks and undertail coverts streaked or unmarked. Upperparts pale brownish; pale head with faint mustache. Central tail feathers unbarred above. Soars with level wings and closed tail. |
|---|---|
| Resident Status: | Year-round resident |
| Abundance: | Rare |
| Length: | 45-55 cm, Wing Span:102-126 cm |
| Distribution Map: | Map 59. |
| Description: | Large falcon with long tail and faint mustache mark. Sexes similar. Brown upperparts with dark outerwing. Pale head contrasts with darker body. Underparts white with brown streaks; dark band on underwing. |
| Similar Species: | Differs from adult Lanner and Peregrine Falcons by contrastingly light head, brown upperparts, and streaked underparts. |
| Behavior: | Usually hunts close to ground, pouncing on prey. Perches on cliff ledges, poles. |
| Habitat: | Open areas of arid mountains; semidesert. |
| Food: | Small mammals, birds. |
| Nest: | Scrape on cliff ledge, or old nest of other raptor on cliff or in tree. |
| Eggs: | 54 mm, 3-5, pale brown, red-brown and black spots. |
