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The Gyrfalcon breeds in remote tundra habitats across northern Canada. The Christmas Bird Count in Canada, which covers part of the southern portion of the Gyrfalcon's wintering range, suggests wintering populations have shown a moderate increase since about 1970. Climate change may become an important conservation concern for this species, due to its specialization on arctic habitats and prey (Booms et al. 2008). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Because they breed in the far north and rarely venture into more developed landscapes at temperate latitudes, Gyrfalcons were not as seriously impacted by pesticides (e.g., DDT) as Peregrine Falcons were (Booms et al. 2008). The birds are still used by falconers, but the limited collection is strictly regulated and has not affected populations in North America (Booms et al. 2008). As an arctic specialist, Gyrfalcons are vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the north (Booms et al. 2008).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
