Gyrfalcon vs Peregrine Falcon
How does the Gyrfalcon compare to the Peregrine Falcon? They are both members of the Falconidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Falco rusticolus
- Falco peregrinus
- Classification
- Bird
- Bird
- Family
- Falconidae
- Falconidae
- Habitat
- Arctic tundra and mountainous regions
- Cliffs, mountains, open landscapes, and urban environments
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 13-20 years
- 13-17 years
- Weight
- 1.0–2.1 kg
- 0.6–1.5 kg
Gyrfalcon vs Peregrine Falcon: who would win?

Gyrfalcon
1.0–2.1 kg

Peregrine Falcon
0.6–1.5 kg
Gyrfalcon has the edge moderate confidence
Gyrfalcon is somewhat heavier (1.0–2.1 kg vs 0.6–1.5 kg), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are birds.
- Both belong to the Falconidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Arctic tundra and mountainous regions vs Cliffs, mountains, open landscapes, and urban environments.
- Weight: 1.0–2.1 kg vs 0.6–1.5 kg.
Gyrfalcon vs Peregrine Falcon: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Gyrfalcon or a Peregrine Falcon?
Gyrfalcon has the edge. Gyrfalcon is somewhat heavier (1.0–2.1 kg vs 0.6–1.5 kg), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Gyrfalcon and a Peregrine Falcon?
Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon differ in several ways — habitat: arctic tundra and mountainous regions vs cliffs, mountains, open landscapes, and urban environments. weight: 1.0–2.1 kg vs 0.6–1.5 kg.
Do Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon live in the same habitat?
No — Gyrfalcon lives in arctic tundra and mountainous regions, while Peregrine Falcon is found in cliffs, mountains, open landscapes, and urban environments.
What do Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon eat?
Both Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Gyrfalcon or the Peregrine Falcon?
Gyrfalcon is listed as Least Concern, while Peregrine Falcon is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon?
Gyrfalcon weighs around 1.0–2.1 kg, while Peregrine Falcon weighs around 0.6–1.5 kg.

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Gyrfalcon

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Peregrine Falcon



