Phylogenomic insights into the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers (Falco cherrug) and the origins of gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus)
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2023

The Altai falcon from Central Asia always attracted the attention of humans. Long considered a totemic bird in its native area, modern falconers still much appreciated this large-bodied and mighty bird of prey due to its rarity and unique look. The peculiar body characteristics halfway between the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) triggered debates about its contentious taxonomy. The weak phylogenetic signal associated with traditional genetic methods could not resol