gyrfalcon
JER-fal-kun
The largest falcon — an Arctic resident, circumpolar, capable of taking ptarmigan on the wing in conditions that ground other raptors. White, grey, or dark morph. Medieval kings prized it above all other hawks.
Etymology
Old French: gerfaucon, possibly from Old Norse geirfalki (spear-falcon) or from Latin gyrus (circle, for its circling flight). The bird of kings.
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