The gyrfalcon is the world’s largest falcon, and one of the fastest: During long flights, it can surpass speeds of 80 miles per hour. Weighing more than three pounds, with a wingspan of four ...

The gyr falcon has spent four months so far on the island. According to RSPB Scotland, the raptor has been making its presence felt by picking fights with resident birds of prey including a buzzard.

Academics still argue on how the gyr falcon gets its name. Some believe it derives from the German for vulture – gir – because it is the largest of all the falcons.

A bird of prey that should be a rare visitor to Scotland appears to have taken up residence in North Uist in the Western Isles. The gyr falcon has spent four months so far on the island. According ...