Gyrfalcon

Renowned for living and breeding in some of the harshest climates on the planet, the gyrfalcon has always been regarded as special – in times past, only kings were allowed to hunt with them, such is their predatory prowess. It is the world’s largest falcon, and though it is classically shown as sporting a pure white plumage with dark spotting on its wings and back, in fact it ranges greatly in colour, with both grey and dark-brown morphs common.

One of the best places to see gyrfalcons is Iceland, where the area around Lake Mývatn, in the north of the island, is a hotspot for them.

The lake is a must-visit location for birdwatchers anyway, with large flocks of ducks, divers and grebes everywhere.

A good winter location for gyrfalcons is the coast along the Reykjanes peninsula in the south-west of Iceland, where they can be seen panicking gulls and wildfowl.