What is a "saker"?

A saker is a large, powerful falcon that inhabits open grasslands, deserts, and other dry habitats in Eurasia and North America. It is a bird of prey that is known for its speed, agility, and hunting skills, which allow it to catch a wide variety of prey ranging from small rodents to birds and reptiles. The saker has a distinctive dark brown or greyish-brown plumage with a lighter-colored head and neck, and its wings are long and pointed, enabling it to fly at high speeds. It is a highly sought-after bird in falconry and has been used for hunting by nomadic peoples in Central Asia for centuries. The saker is also revered in some cultures and is considered a symbol of power, strength, and freedom. However, the saker population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss, persecution, and illegal hunting, and it is now considered a vulnerable species.