Which falcon is the largest species in the world?

The gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species in the world.

Gyrfalcons breed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are powerful hunters of birds and mammals, including ptarmigans and seabirds. Their size varies by sex and region, with females substantially heavier than males, as is common among many birds of prey.

The species occurs in several color forms. White, silver-gray, and dark individuals can all belong to the same species, and plumage often varies geographically. This variation sometimes caused historical confusion among falconers and naturalists, but color does not define separate species.

Gyrfalcons have long been prized in falconry. Medieval rulers considered white gyrfalcons especially prestigious, and historical trade in these birds was tightly controlled in some regions. Unlike the peregrine falcon, the gyrfalcon is adapted to cold northern environments and often hunts in open Arctic landscapes.