The saker falcon is a large falcon species. It breeds from Central Europe eastwards across the Palearctic to Manchuria. It is a partial migrant, which means that some part of the population is migratory, some part is not. In Europe, for example, a part of the juveniles are migrating, while adults are mostly resident. The European and West Asian migratory sakers spend the winter in the Sahel region. On migration, they cross the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and Pakistan, where they are exposed to illegal trapping. The migratory birds to the east from Altai Mountains spend the winter in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Region
Central and Eastern Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds from Central Europe across the Eurasian steppes through Central Asia to Mongolia and northern China, with scattered populations in the Middle East. Prefers vast open habitats such as grasslands, steppe, semi-desert, and agricultural plains, often near colonies of ground-dwelling rodents. Uses cliffs, trees, or human structures (notably power pylons) for nesting, frequently reusing old stick nests of other large birds. During winter, many individuals move south to the Sahel, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia, and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Altitude Range
0–4500 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The saker falcon is one of the world’s largest falcons, adapted to open steppe and semi-desert landscapes. It has long been prized in falconry for its speed and power, especially against birds like pigeons and houbara bustards. Major threats include electrocution on poorly designed power lines, illegal trapping along migration routes, and loss of steppe habitat. Conservation programs in Central Asia have deployed safer pylons and nest platforms to aid recovery.
A saker falcon (Turul) monument at Tatabánya, Hungary.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
powerful flier with strong, rapid wingbeats and long low glides over open ground
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous and defends a nesting territory. Often nests in old stick nests of corvids or other raptors on trees, cliffs, or pylons; clutch usually 3–5 eggs. Adults may remain near breeding sites year-round in some regions, while young birds disperse widely.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from the nest; vocalizes more during breeding. Calls are harsh, repeated kak-kak or kek-kek notes used in alarm and territorial contexts.
