Number and Distribution of Gyrfalcons on the West Siberian Plain.

Abstract

—Using our own observations and published records, we discuss the breeding range, number, and distribution of Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) on the West Siberian plain. We show that the currently accepted assessment of Gyrfalcon numbers appears to be underestimated. The southern limit of the species’ breeding range should be defined south of forest-tundra. With the predicted northward expansion of forest due to climate change, West Siberian and neighboring Gyrfalcons of subspecies F. r. intermedius appear preadapted to such habitat and may be favored by its expansion. These considerations call for increased efforts to survey the region for the presence of nesting Gyrfalcons. Received 22 March 2011, accepted 23 May 2011. POKROVSKAYA, I., AND G. TERTITSKI. 2011. Number and distribution of Gyrfalcons on the West Siberian Plain. Pages 267–272 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.2011.0305