Features of the Saker Falcon’s Abnormal Hunting Behavior in Urban Environments: From High Efficiency to Exhaustion

<jats:p>This article analyzes long-term observations of the hunting behavior of large falcons in urban environments. The primary subject of the study was an unusual adult male Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), distinguished by an atypical flight pattern more characteristic of a Merlin (Falco columbarius). Despite an extremely energy-intensive tactic of continuous attacks, reminiscent of juvenile birds' behavior, this male's initial success rate reached 21.3%, significantly exceeding the average for other “urban” Saker Falcons (13%). However, in February 1986, a sudden decline in hunting efficiency to 3.4% occurred, leaving the bird severely physically exhausted. It is presumed that this “breakdown” was caused by the adult raptor's inability to change its wasteful hunting style due to a short-term fast and a string of unlucky days.</jats:p>