Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus ) in the Tundra of Nenets Autonomous District, Archangelskaya Region.

Abstract

—The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is one of the typical birds of tundra landscapes of the Nenets Autonomous District. The species has been observed from forest-tundra to the coast of the Barents and Kara seas. Despite its wide distribution, population changes, and breeding ecology, Gyrfalcons remain poorly studied. Limited availability of places suitable for nesting and abundance of food are the main factors influencing the mosaic distribution of Gyrfalcon nesting territories. Long-term dynamics of Gyrfalcon breeding and population are determined by the cyclic nature of their principal prey, the Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). The latter are at present increasing in their 11-year cycle, and the Gyrfalcon population of the study area is correspondingly growing. Climatic and anthropogenic factors are altering the suitability of areas for Gyrfalcons and other bird species of the tundra zone. Received 7 March 2011, accepted 7 July 2011. MINEEV, Y. N., AND O. Y. MINEEV. 2011. Gyrfalcons Falco rusticolus in the tundra of Nenets Autonomous District, Archangelskaya Region. Pages 253–258 in R. T. Watson, T. J. Cade, M. Fuller, G. Hunt, and E. Potapov (Eds.). Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World, Volume II. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. http://dx.doi.org/10.4080/gpcw.2011.0303