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What is FALCONRY? — Birds List · Falconer Techniques · Equipment

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Falconry Birds List: Species, Traits, Habitats & Value Falconry is a timeless tradition fusing skill, heritage, and a close human–raptor connection. For falconers, understanding the falconry birds list is essential to choosing the right bird, respecting conservation efforts, and mastering the hunt. This article explores the most respected birds in falconry, their traits, habitats, population status, and value. --- 📜 What Is the Falconry Birds List? The falconry birds list refers to the catalog of raptors commonly used in falconry. These birds are selected based on their hunting style, temperament, trainability, and legal availability. The list includes falcons, hawks, eagles, and occasionally owls. Each species offers unique advantages depending on the falconer’s experience level and hunting goals. --- 🐦 Falconry Birds List: Species and Characteristics Let’s explore the most prominent birds on the falconry birds list, with detailed descriptions for each: 1. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: Global distribution; cliffs, coastlines, urban areas • Population: Least Concern (IUCN) • Areal: Worldwide except Antarctica • Value: $600–$10,000+ • Traits: Fastest animal on Earth (up to 320 km/h in a dive), highly trainable, versatile hunter 2. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: Arctic tundra and mountainous regions • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Northern Hemisphere (Canada, Russia, Greenland) • Value: $2,000–$30,000 • Traits: Largest falcon, powerful and majestic, prized for prestige and strength 3. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: Central Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe • Population: Endangered • Areal: Steppes and semi-deserts • Value: Up to $250,000 in Gulf countries • Traits: Traditional falconry bird in Arab culture, strong and aggressive hunter 4. Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: Africa, Southern Europe • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Open savannas and rocky outcrops • Value: $1,000–$5,000 • Traits: Agile, elegant, easier to train than peregrines 5. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: North and Central America • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Urban parks, grasslands • Value: $300–$800 • Traits: Small and colorful, ideal for beginners and light game 6. Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) • Type: Broadwing • Habitat: Southwestern US, Latin America • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Scrublands and deserts • Value: $800–$2,500 • Traits: Social, cooperative, excellent for apprentices 7. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) • Type: Broadwing • Habitat: North America • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Forests, fields, urban areas • Value: $500–$1,500 • Traits: Hardy, reliable, forgiving for new falconers 8. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) • Type: Shortwing • Habitat: Europe, Asia • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Woodlands and gardens • Value: $400–$1,200 • Traits: Stealthy, fast, suited for small bird hunting 9. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) • Type: Broadwing • Habitat: Northern Hemisphere • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Mountains, plateaus • Value: $5,000–$20,000+ • Traits: Elite bird, requires expert handling, used in Kazakh and Mongolian falconry 10. Merlin (Falco columbarius) • Type: Longwing • Habitat: North America, Eurasia • Population: Least Concern • Areal: Open country, moorlands • Value: $500–$1,500 • Traits: Compact, fast, ideal for small prey --- 🌍 Falconry Birds List and Global Distribution The falconry birds list includes species from nearly every continent. Falconers often choose birds adapted to their local terrain: • Desert falconry: Saker Falcon, Harris’s Hawk • Mountain falconry: Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon • Urban falconry: Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel • Forest falconry: Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk --- 📉 Conservation and Population Trends Some birds on the falconry birds list face serious threats: • Saker Falcon: Endangered due to illegal trade and habitat loss • Peregrine Falcon: Recovered after DDT ban; now stable • Gyrfalcon: Sensitive to climate change in Arctic regions Falconers contribute to conservation through captive breeding, education, and habitat protection. --- 💰 Falconry Birds List: Value and Cost The falconry birds list includes birds ranging from affordable to elite: • Entry-level: American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk ($300–$1,500) • Mid-range: Harris’s Hawk, Lanner Falcon ($800–$5,000) • High-end: Gyrfalcon, Saker Falcon, Golden Eagle ($5,000–$250,000) Factors influencing value: • Species rarity • Training level • Age and health • Legal permits (CITES, A10) --- 🧠 Choosing the Right Bird from the Falconry Birds List When selecting a bird from the falconry birds list, consider: • Experience level: Beginners should start with Harris’s Hawk or Red-tailed Hawk • Local laws: Some species require permits • Prey type: Match bird to game size • Climate: Choose birds adapted to your region --- 🏁 Final Thoughts on the Falconry Birds List The falconry birds list is a vital resource for every falconer. It’s not just a catalog—it’s a roadmap to understanding the art, ethics, and science of falconry. Whether you’re flying a Peregrine over open fields or bonding with a Harris’s Hawk in the desert, the falconry birds list is your foundation for success. 🖼️ Falcons of the World 🎨 Artwork by Roger Hall A vibrant photographic collage capturing the majesty and diversity of falcon species across continents—highlighting their grace, power, and global presence through striking composition.

Post: 1 August 15:14

What is FALCONRY? — Birds List · Falconer Techniques · Equipment

How to Become a Falconer: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Ancient Art of Falconry 📚 Table of Contents How to Become a Falconer. 1. What Is Falconry? 2. Legal Requirements and Licensing 3. Falconry Apprenticeship: The First Step 4. Choosing Your Raptor 5. Essential Falconry Equipment 6. Building a Mews and Facilities 7. Daily Care and Training 8. Costs and Time Commitment 9. Ethical and Conservation Considerations 10. Final Thoughts and Resources --- 1. What Is Falconry? Falconry is the ancient practice of hunting wild game using trained birds of prey. With origins dating back over 4,000 years in Mesopotamia and Egypt, falconry has evolved into a regulated sport and lifestyle that blends wildlife management, hunting, and deep human-animal bonds. Modern falconers work with species like hawks, falcons, and eagles to hunt rabbits, pheasants, and other small game. It’s not a casual hobby — it’s a lifelong commitment to the care, training, and partnership with a raptor. --- 2. Legal Requirements and Licensing Falconry is highly regulated and laws vary by country and region. In the United States, for example: • You must be at least 12 years old (some states require 16+) • Pass a written falconry exam (80% minimum score) • Obtain a state falconry license and a hunting license • Complete a facility inspection for your bird housing (mews) • Acquire federal and state permits before obtaining a bird In the UK and EU, only captive-bred birds are allowed, and birds must be ringed and registered. Always check with your local wildlife agency or falconry association for specific regulations. --- 3. Falconry Apprenticeship: The First Step Most countries require beginners to start as Apprentice Falconers under the guidance of a General or Master Falconer. 🔹 Typical Apprenticeship Requirements: • Duration: 2 years minimum • Sponsor: Must be an experienced falconer • Limit: Usually 1 bird allowed (often a Red-tailed Hawk or American Kestrel) • Study: Read at least 2–3 core falconry texts • Practice: Assist with training, hunting, and care Apprenticeship is not just about learning techniques — it’s about proving your dedication and building trust within the falconry community. --- 4. Choosing Your Raptor Not all birds of prey are suitable for beginners. Common choices include: • Red-tailed Hawk: Hardy, forgiving, ideal for apprentices • American Kestrel: Small, agile, good for learning basics • Harris’s Hawk: Social, intelligent, often used in team hunts • Gyrfalcon or Peregrine Falcon: Advanced birds for experienced falconers Birds must be captive-bred in most regions. Wild capture is often illegal or heavily restricted. --- 5. Essential Falconry Equipment To safely handle and train your bird, you’ll need: • Falconry glove: Protects your hand from talons • Jesses and leash: Leather straps for control • Hood: Covers bird’s eyes to keep it calm • Lure: Used for recall training • Perch: Resting spot in mews or outdoors • Telemetry gear: Track your bird during free flights • Scales: Monitor bird’s weight for health and training High-quality gear can cost $500–$2,000+, depending on materials and customization. --- 6. Building a Mews and Facilities Your bird needs a secure, clean, and spacious enclosure: • Mews: Indoor housing with perch, ventilation, and protection • Weathering yard: Outdoor area for sun and exercise • Bath pan: For hydration and cleaning • Inspection: Must meet legal standards before licensing Materials range from wood to steel, and costs vary from $500 to $5,000+ depending on size and quality. --- 7. Daily Care and Training Falconry is a daily commitment. Birds require: • Feeding: Fresh meat (quail, mice, rabbit) based on weight • Training: Manning, lure work, recall, hunting practice • Health checks: Monitor eyes, feet, feathers, and weight • Exercise: Free flights or creance line work Expect to spend 30 minutes to 2 hours daily, with longer sessions during hunting season. --- 8. Costs and Time Commitment Falconry is not cheap — or easy. 💰 Estimated Costs: • Licensing and permits: $100–$300 • Equipment: $1,000–$3,000 • Bird: $500–$10,000+ • Food and vet care: $500–$1,500/year • Mews construction: $500–$5,000+ ⏳ Time Commitment: • Apprenticeship: 2 years minimum • Daily care: 30–120 minutes • Hunting season: Full weekends or travel days --- 9. Ethical and Conservation Considerations Falconry is deeply tied to wildlife conservation. Ethical falconers: • Use captive-bred birds • Follow strict hunting laws • Participate in raptor rehabilitation • Educate the public about birds of prey • Support sustainable hunting practices Falconry has helped restore species like the Peregrine Falcon through captive breeding and release programs. --- 10. Final Thoughts and Resources Becoming a falconer is a life-changing journey. It demands patience, discipline, and a deep respect for nature. If you’re ready to commit, start by: • Contacting your local wildlife agency • Joining a falconry club or association • Finding a sponsor • Studying core texts like The Art of Falconry or A Falconry Manual 🧭 Recommended Resources: • North American Falconers Association • Learn Falconry • Falconry Advice Guides • Mike’s Falconry Supplies Falconry FAQ: Additional Questions Answered ❓ Can I practice falconry without hunting? No. Falconry is legally and traditionally defined as hunting with a trained bird of prey. While some educational or display flying may be permitted under separate licenses, true falconry requires active hunting. --- ❓ Are owls used in falconry? Rarely. Owls are not traditional falconry birds. They lack the hunting drive and trainability of hawks and falcons. Some species like the Eurasian Eagle Owl may be flown for demonstrations, but they are not ideal for hunting. --- ❓ Can I keep a bird of prey as a pet? No. Raptors are wild animals and require specialized care, training, and legal permits.

Post: 5 August 11:41

What is FALCONRY? — Birds List · Falconer Techniques · Equipment

The history of falconry in Saskatchewan dates back to the 1950s when the Saskatchewan Falconry Association was formed. There are about 25 active falconers in the province. The steps to become one of them are quite extensive as you have to go through a training which lasts several years. During the hunting season, the falconer and his bird will hunt prey such as ducks, quail, partridge, and black grouse.

Post: 27 January 2023

Yuliya S

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