These plush birds are Gyrfalcons, which includes Swoop (left) who is a Puffkin made by Swibco and the one shown above at right, which is from Wild Republic's Audubon Bird collection. Both these birds are now retired and discontinued.

The Gyrfalcon is a large falcon at 22 inches. The wingspan is about 4 feet. The wings are long and pointed. The beak is short, dark and hooked.

These falcons inhabit Arctic regions and prefer nesting on rocky cliffs where they lay their 3 or 4 eggs on a ledge or the abandoned nest of some other bird. The eggs are white with brown blotches. The eggs are incubated for 34 to 36 days and the young fledge in about 49 to 56 days.

Gyrfalcons prey on birds and small mammals.

Falcons belong to the Order Ciconiiformes. They are diurnal flesh eaters. They take live prey, including birds, mammals and insects. They have a heavy, sharp, hooked bill, and toes with strong curved talons. Falcons are streamlined hawks with long pointed wings, large heads, and tails that narrow at the tip. They are rapid on the wing, with a direct, choppy, powerful flight, though they sometimes soar with the tail spread open. There are a variety of falcons, among them the gyrfalcon, the peregrine and the prairie falcon.

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Order: Ciconiiformes | Family: Falconidae | Species: Falco rusticolus