THE FEEDING OF GYRFALCON (FALCO RUSTICOLUS, FALCONIFORMES, FALCONIDAE) IN KAMCHATKA

In Kamchatka, an investment project is being implemented for the artificial reproduction of rare species of falcons, primarily gyrfalcon. For successful breeding of birds, it is necessary to know their trophic preferences in nature. The article analyzes information on the nutrition of the gyrfalcon in Kamchatka, collected over the entire history of ornithological research in the region. In the diet of the gyrfalcon, minimum 41 species of birds and 11 species of mammals are identified. The composition of the food of specific individuals is determined by their habitat in a given season of the year. During the breeding season, ptarmigans (Lagopus lagopus, L. mutus) are crucial for most gyrfalcons, and small mammals (specially American (arctic) ground squirrel Spermophilus parryi) are also important in the mountains. On migrations and in winter (especially on Kamchatka Peninsula), an important role is played by water, near-water and synanthropic species of birds. In Koryak Highland in winter an important role is played ptarmigans as usual. Occasionally they feed on fish processing waste and bait in hunters' traps.