Saker Falcon

Falco cherrug

Saker falcon is a large falcon of open grassland, steppe, desert edge, and agricultural country from eastern Europe across Central Asia. Falco cherrug is powerful and broad-winged compared with many peregrine-type falcons, with variable brown upperparts, a pale head, and streaked underparts. It hunts ground squirrels, birds, and other medium-sized prey, often using low fast flight rather than only high stoops. The species has a long association with falconry in Central Asia and the Middle East, and captive-bred birds are now important in legal falconry markets.

Keeping or breeding saker falcons is a specialist, licensed activity, not general pet ownership. Facilities need secure mews or breeding chambers, weathering areas, precise weight management, high-quality whole-prey diets, and equipment suited to a large falcon. Conservation work addresses illegal trapping, electrocution on power poles, nest-site shortage, and loss of prey-rich steppe habitat; artificial nest platforms have helped some populations where natural nesting sites are scarce. Buyers and falconers should expect documentation, closed rings or microchips, and compliance with national and international wildlife rules.