Falconry Explained: Ancient Art of Hunting with Birds of Prey

Falconry is the ancient art of hunting wild prey in its natural environment using trained birds of prey such as falcons, hawks, and eagles. Thought to have originated in Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago, this traditional practice combines skill, patience, and a deep bond between human and bird. Today, falconry is honoured both as a sport and a conservation tool, connecting enthusiasts with nature while helping protect raptor populations.

History of Falconry

While the exact origins are debated, falconry's roots trace back thousands of years. The falcon held symbolic importance among ancient Mongols, and the sport likely entered Europe via the Huns and Alans approximately 1,600 years ago. Frederick II of Hohenstaufen is widely regarded as the father of modern falconry. Having learned the craft from Arab falconers during his military campaigns, he authored the first comprehensive Latin book on falconry, De arte venandi cum avibus.

In medieval Europe, falconry was a symbol of nobility and wealth, practised mainly by the elite due to its demanding resources. Its popularity peaked in 17th-century England but waned with the rise of firearms. However, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a revival in the UK that helped introduce falconry to the United States.

Birds Used in Modern Falconry

Modern falconry utilises several types of birds, generally classified as follows:

• Longwings: Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Gyrfalcon
• Shortwings: Goshawks
• Broadwings: Buzzards, Golden Eagles, Harris Hawk

The Harris Hawk, prized for its sociable nature and aptitude in hunting smaller mammals like rabbits and hares, is often captive-bred and commonly used today. This species is particularly unique for hunting cooperatively in packs, a rarity among raptors.

The Red-tailed Hawk is favoured in North America, especially for beginners, being adept at hunting a variety of prey including rabbits, squirrels, and game birds such as ducks and pheasants. The Common Buzzard, prevalent in the UK, requires patient training but is effective in hunting rabbits and other small mammals. Noted for their speed and power, the Goshawk and other Accipiters have a long hunting heritage and can capture diverse bird and mammal prey.

Larger raptors like Booted Eagles, including Golden Eagles, are used to hunt bigger prey such as foxes and have even been reputedly trained to hunt wolves in Central Asia. However, their size, space needs, and risks often limit their use in falconry, particularly in urban or suburban environments.

Occasionally, owls, such as the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Great Horned Owl, are trained, though their hunting depends more on hearing than sight, requiring distinct training methods. Ospreys and Sea Eagles have historical use in fishing, but conservation laws limit their use in many countries.

Breeding and Conservation Efforts

Captive breeding plays a crucial role in modern falconry, conserving wild populations suffering from habitat loss and persecution. The first successful captive breeding of peregrine falcons was achieved by Renz Waller in Germany. In the UK, Phillip Glasier pioneered breeding over 20 bird of prey species at The Falconry Centre in Newent, fostering a more organised and sustainable approach.

Today, most falconers source their birds from dedicated breeders, significantly reducing pressure on wild populations. However, international regulations on capture, trade, and import/export vary widely. The use of captive-bred birds supports ethical and responsible falconry that aligns with conservation goals.

UK Falconry Regulations

In the UK, falconry is a legally recognised sport governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. Importantly, all birds used must be captive-bred, ringed, and registered with the Government to ensure compliance and conservation protection.

While it is legal to hunt with captive-bred birds without a special licence, taking wild birds requires strict approval, rarely granted. Ownership of a captive-bred raptor is open to anyone with proper registration, but possessing a bird alone does not confer falconer status. Genuine falconry involves actively hunting live prey with a trained bird, emphasising the commitment and skill involved.

Falconry today continues to blend tradition, sport, and conservation, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate raptors' remarkable abilities while supporting their long-term survival.