The saker falcon is one of the common predators of the Eurasian steppes. Though it nests on rocky outcrops, it avoids mountainous areas; the flat, open grasslands are its favourite hunting grounds. The saker falcon has been widely used in falconry, since it is a powerful bird that employs a range of hunting techniques. In the wild, it seldom hunts creatures larger than hares. After falconry training, however, it will readily attack animals the size of gazelles.