gyrfalcon

What is another word for gyrfalcon? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A gyrfalcon is Falco rusticolus, a large bird of prey that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands of North America, Europe and Asia.

We haven't recorded synonyms for gyrfalcon yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use gyrfalcon

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a gyrfalcon nest an Arctic gyrfalcon spot a gyrfalcon gyrfalcon breeding grounds

Gyrfalcon is a specific, neutral term used mainly in ornithology and nature writing.

Etymology

The word came into English from Old French gerfaucon, related to modern French gerfaut. Its first part probably traces back to an Old High German word for vulture, the same root behind the German word Geier.

Full origin of gyrfalcon →

Frequently asked questions

What is a gyrfalcon?

A gyrfalcon is a large falcon, Falco rusticolus, that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands.

Where do gyrfalcons live?

They breed on Arctic coastlines and islands across North America, Europe and Asia.

Was the gyrfalcon always used for this one species?

No, the word once referred to any large falcon flown at herons before it came to mean specifically Falco rusticolus.

Nearby words

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