Falco cherrug
English: saker falcon.
Name: Falco cherruginus.
Animals - Chordata – Vertebrata – Tetrapoda – Amniota – Aves, Neognathae – Falconiformes – Falconidae - Falco cherrug – Saker falcon.
Zoology
It is a middle-sized predator. Within the ecosystem it takes the top of the food pyramid. Its natural enemy are only the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), the sparrowhawk (Accipiter), the marten (Martes), the raven (Corvus). This species does not build nests of its own, but takes nests of other birds at edges of woodlands, in wind barriers or cavities of cliffs. Breeding starts with a soaring courtship ritual and seeking for a suitable nest. Courtship soaring is distinguished by hovering in great heights, performing prey attack imitations and aerial games. During the breeding period the pair shares tasks. The female‘s task is feeding and protection of chicks and the male hunts and brings prey to the female. Otherwise they hunt together and they have a very efficient strategy as a pair. The saker falcon dares to attack prey larger than itself. Their main food component is the ground squirrel (Spermophillus), starling (Sturnus), pigeon (Columba). Breeding pairs are mostly stable. Migration relates predominantly to young and unmatched singles. Saker falcon usually forms couples for its entire life.