Falcons up close Meet the remarkable birds that have been hunting alongside humans for thousands of years. The large, powerful, and pure white Gyrfalcon is native to Arctic climates like Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia. Today, falconers are breeding hybrids with the Gyr’s strength and elegance, combined with greater tolerance for Arabian climes.Photograph courtesy VIRTUE Worldwide Published July 21, 2021 Email This content is brought to you by our partner. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic or its editorial staff. 2:01 The falcon's speed, vision, agility, strength and intelligence make it one of Earth's most formidable hunters.Video courtesy Virtue Worldwide