Saker Falcon

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Saker Falcon (矛隼)
Alias(es)	Gabu — Tibetan for “king” 50
Species/Race	Saker Falcon; a raptor and national Second-Class Protected Animal 39 50
Affiliation	Lin Xuan’s animal companions
Occupation/Role	Rescued raptor, aerial hunter, and protector of Lin Xuan’s household
Status	Alive; remains with Lin Xuan by choice and is officially recognized under his care 47 71
First Appearance	Chapter 39

Background / History

Lin Xuan finds the falcon as an orphaned, critically weakened nestling beside the decomposing bodies of its mother and two siblings. Unable to fly and likely sustained by eating its dead family members, it panics and flaps weakly when approached. Lin warms it with a self-heating towel, prepares dried-meat paste with medication, and feeds it through a syringe before burying its family members. 39 40

While recuperating under Lin Xuan’s care, the falcon is kept warm, gradually digests its food, and begins responding to Lin Xuan with curiosity. Lin later brings it home temporarily, intending to release it once it is healthy enough to fly independently. 41 42

The falcon initially fears Xiao Qing, but their relationship changes when Xiao Qing repeatedly brings it dried meat while Lin is away. Though still too weak to fly and prone to falling during attempts, it begins to trust the snake after being fed by it. 43

During the battle against the Wolf King, the falcon tries to aid Lin Xuan despite being flightless. Chased to a cliff by the Wolf King, it falls—then recalls its mother’s teachings and learns to fly mid-air. It returns to harass the Wolf King from above, helping Lin Xuan and Xiao Qing defeat it. 45 46 47

After Lin offers it freedom, the falcon flies away but soon returns carrying a bird carcass. By offering the prey to Lin, it makes clear that it had gone hunting rather than leaving and chooses to remain with him. Lin subsequently names it Gabu. 47 50

Appearance

As a young Saker Falcon, Gabu has predominantly white plumage marked by dark brown or slate-colored bands and stripes. Its sharp hooked beak and growing aerial presence distinguish it from Lin Xuan’s other companions. 39 48 50

• White head with thick dark longitudinal stripes on the crown. 50
• Grayish-brown to dark slate-brown upper body with white bands and spots. 50
• White underparts with dark horizontal bands. 50
• White tail feathers crossed by brown or slate-colored bands. 50
• Sharp, tender-yellow hooked beak suited to a carnivorous diet. 39

Personality

Gabu is loyal, grateful, and persistent. It repeatedly attempts to help Lin Xuan against the wolves even when it cannot fly, and later risks itself again to protect the household’s tiger cubs from a Highland Jackal. 45 46 186

It displays clear reciprocity toward Xiao Qing: after being fed by the snake during its recovery, Gabu later shares its own hunted prey and tears the meat into manageable pieces for Xiao Qing. 43 48

Abilities & Skills

Flight

Gabu develops the ability to fly during its fall from the cliff, recalling its mother’s lessons and finding its rhythm in mid-air. 47

• Can soar, dive, and return to Lin Xuan’s shoulder when tired. 47 48
• Flies through dangerous weather to locate Lin Xuan and guide the other companions to him. 160
• Its early inability to fly leaves it vulnerable to falls and ground predators. 43 46

Hunting

As a bird of prey, Gabu hunts independently after recovering its flight ability. 47 48

• Catches birds and brings prey back to Lin Xuan. 47
• Catches a fish at the lake on its first attempt. 75
• Uses its hooked beak and claws to tear prey into smaller pieces. 48 201
• Cooperates with tiger cubs against larger prey, including a wild boar. 205

Aerial Combat and Protection

Gabu uses speed and aerial harassment to protect Lin Xuan and the animals in his care.

• Pecks and harasses the Wolf King from the air during the final confrontation. 47
• Flies to Xiao Qing when a Skimmer Gull approaches it. 75
• Distracts a Highland Jackal attacking An’an, creating an opening for Lin Xuan’s shot. 186
• Attacks an intruder after the person throws a tiger cub aside in Lin Xuan’s courtyard. 190

Relationships

• Lin Xuan — Rescuer and chosen caretaker. Gabu aids him against the Wolf King, declines the opportunity to leave permanently, and later receives official recognition of Lin’s care. 39 47 71
• Xiao Qing — Companion and former caregiver. Xiao Qing feeds Gabu during its recovery; Gabu later shares prey and prepares bite-sized meat for the snake. 43 48
• An’an and the tiger cubs — Treated as younger siblings and defended from outside threats. Gabu assists them against the Highland Jackal and joins them in hunts. 186 201 205
• Panda Mother and her cub — Gabu attempts to support Lin Xuan during the wolf-pack attack that threatens the panda family. 45 46

Story Role / Major Arcs

Rescue and Recovery

• Found orphaned, starving, and unable to fly in the jungle. 39
• Stabilized through warmth, meat paste, medication, and constant care from Lin Xuan. 39 41
• Recuperates at Lin Xuan’s home and learns to coexist with Xiao Qing. 42 43

Wolf Pack Incident

• Attempts to assist Lin Xuan and Panda Mother despite its physical weakness. 45 46
• Learns to fly after falling from a cliff while fleeing the Wolf King. 47
• Supports Lin Xuan and Xiao Qing in killing the Wolf King. 47
• Chooses to return to Lin Xuan after being offered release. 47

Life with Lin Xuan

• Receives the name Gabu, meaning “king.” 50
• Gains official endorsement and a certificate recognizing Lin Xuan’s adoption and care. 54 71
• Continues developing as a hunter, protector, and companion to the household animals. 75 186 205

Trivia

• Gabu’s name means “king” in Tibetan, chosen because falcons are described as kings of the sky. 50
• During its recovery, Xiao Qing feeds it five small pieces of dried meat in Lin Xuan’s absence. 43
• Gabu and Xiao Qing coexist peacefully despite raptors generally being natural enemies of snakes. 174
• Gabu bathes by splashing water over its feathers, then sunbathes with its wings partly spread. 142