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.