One bird is going viral on social media right now. A rare white Gyrfalcon just sold for AED 1.5 million (close to ₹3.85 crore) at the ADIHEX 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. The bidding lasted just five minutes. Wondering why this bird fetched such a massive price? Read on to find out.
What Makes This Bird So Special?
Gyrfalcons are not ordinary falcons. They are the largest falcon species in the world. They have wide wings and a strong body. Their wings can stretch more than 5 feet from one end to the other.
Their color is linked to their genes. Gyrfalcons can be white, grey, or dark. Even chicks from the same nest can have different colors. White Gyrfalcons are more common in some northern areas, especially Greenland.
White Gyrfalcons are highly valued because their pure white plumage is rare.
Their large size, strong hunting ability, and importance in falconry make them especially sought after.
Where Do Gyrfalcons Come From?
Gyrfalcons live in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions around the North Pole.
They can be found in places such as:
Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe, Northern Asia
They often nest on rocky cliffs and open tundra. During winter, some Gyrfalcons move farther south to find food. They may appear near coastlines, farms, and open plains.
How Long Do Gyrfalcons Live?
In their natural habitat, the oldest Gyrfalcon known to us lived for about 15 years. But when they're in a safe place with plenty of food and no animals trying to hurt them, they can live a lot longer - sometimes up to 25 or even 30 years.
For most young Gyrfalcons, the first year of life is really tough. Sadly, about half of them don't make it through that first year when they're out in the wild.
Quick Facts
- The bird's thick feathers keep it warm in the freezing cold of the Arctic.
- Female Gyrfalcons are bigger and weigh more than the males.
- It's able to cover a lot of ground, moving between where it breeds and where it spends the winter.
FAQs
1. What do Gyrfalcons eat?
Gyrfalcons are birds of prey that mostly feed on other birds, like ptarmigans and ducks, as well as other types of waterfowl. Sometimes, if they get the chance, they'll also hunt small mammals.
2. Can a Gyrfalcon hunt while flying?
Gyrfalcons are really good at catching birds in mid-air, they're super fast and powerful when they chase their prey.
3. Do Gyrfalcons build their own nests?
They don't usually build their own nests. Instead, they like to use nests that are already there or find a good spot on a rocky ledge or cliff to have their babies.
4. Can Gyrfalcons be kept as pets?
Gyrfalcons aren't like dogs or cats, they're wild birds of prey. People mostly keep them for falconry, which is a whole different story. It needs special care, training, and the right setup.
