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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.
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📜 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.
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🐦 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
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🌍 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
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📉 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.
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💰 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)
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🧠 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
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🏁 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.
Is Falconry a Sport: Global Competitions, Training, History, and Facts for Hunters
Falconry — the ancient art of hunting wild game with trained birds of prey — is often misunderstood. Some call it a hobby, others a tradition, but for those who practice it seriously, falconry is undeniably a sport. It requires discipline, physical and mental preparation, strategic thinking, and a deep bond between human and raptor. Across the world, falconers compete in tournaments, train year-round, and uphold a legacy that spans over 4,000 years. This article breaks down falconry as a sport, with verified facts, global competition data, and insights for hunters and enthusiasts.
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🏹 Falconry as a Sport: Definition and Recognition
Falconry is defined as the hunting of wild animals in their natural habitat using trained birds of prey — typically falcons, hawks, or eagles. While not recognized as an Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee, falconry is officially classified as a traditional sport by UNESCO and is practiced competitively in dozens of countries.
The International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) represents over 90 member organizations across 80+ countries. These include national falconry clubs, conservation groups, and sport federations. Falconry competitions test a falconer’s ability to train, handle, and hunt with their bird under real-world conditions — making it a sport in every sense of the word.
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📜 History and Global Spread
Falconry dates back to at least 2000 BCE, with archaeological evidence from Syria, Mongolia, and Central Asia. It spread via trade routes like the Silk Road and became a symbol of nobility in medieval Europe and the Islamic world. Historical figures such as Frederick II of Hohenstaufen wrote treatises on falconry, and the sport was practiced by emperors, sultans, and kings.
In the modern era, falconry has evolved from subsistence hunting to a regulated sport. Countries like the UAE, UK, USA, Kazakhstan, and Germany host annual tournaments and maintain strict licensing systems. Falconry is also used in pest control, conservation, and education — but its sporting aspect remains central.
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📊 Falconry Statistics
• Estimated global falconers: ~25,000 active practitioners
• Countries with legal falconry: Over 80
• Top tournament locations: UAE, UK, USA, Spain, Kazakhstan
• Most used species: Peregrine falcon, Harris’s hawk, saker falcon, gyrfalcon
• IAF member organizations: 90+
• Falconry recognized by UNESCO: Since 2010, as Intangible Cultural Heritage
In the United States alone, there are around 3,000 licensed falconers, with strict federal and state-level regulations. In the UAE, falconry is a national sport, with government-backed breeding programs and multimillion-dollar tournaments.
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🧠 Training and Preparation
Falconry demands rigorous training — not just for the bird, but for the falconer. The process includes:
• Apprenticeship: In countries like the U.S., aspiring falconers must complete a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed sponsor, pass written exams, and build approved facilities.
• Bird selection: Choosing the right species based on hunting goals, climate, and terrain.
• Manning: The initial taming and bonding process, often taking weeks of daily interaction.
• Lure training: Teaching the bird to return to the falconer using food rewards.
• Flight conditioning: Building stamina and precision through controlled flights.
• Field hunting: Practicing in real terrain with live quarry.
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🌍 Falconry Competitions Worldwide
Falconry tournaments are held globally, with formats ranging from speed trials to hunting challenges. Some of the most notable events include:
• Presidential Cup Falconry Championship (UAE)
• Held annually in Abu Dhabi
• Features speed, accuracy, and endurance trials
• Prize pool exceeds $1 million
• Open to international participants
• North American Falconers Association (NAFA) Field Meet (USA)
• Held every fall
• Includes hunting trips, lectures, and bird evaluations
• Focuses on field performance and ethical hunting
• International Falconry Festival (Qatar)
• Cultural and competitive event
• Includes traditional falconry displays and modern trials
• European Falconry Championships (Germany, Spain)
• Focus on flight control, lure catching, and quarry pursuit
• Judged by experienced falconers and ornithologists
• Kazakhstan Golden Eagle Festival
• Celebrates eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains
• Combines sport with cultural heritage
Competitions are judged on bird response time, flight control, quarry capture, and handler technique. Birds are scored individually, and falconers compete for medals, cash prizes, and prestige.
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🦅 Falconry Facts for Hunters
• Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of 240 mph in a stoop — the fastest animal on Earth.
• Harris’s hawks are the only raptors that hunt cooperatively in packs.
• Saker falcons are favored in Central Asia for their aggression and adaptability.
• Telemetry systems allow falconers to track birds via GPS and radio signals.
• Falconry birds are not pets — they are hunting partners and must be flown regularly.
• Most falconers release quarry after capture unless hunting for food or population control.
🧭 Why Falconry Is Chosen as a Sport
Hunters choose falconry for its challenge, tradition, and connection to nature. Unlike firearms, falconry requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. It’s not about pulling a trigger — it’s about reading the wind, terrain, and the mood of your bird.
Falconry also offers:
• Silent hunting — no gunshots, ideal for sensitive environments
• Selective quarry — birds can be trained to ignore non-target species
• Physical engagement — walking, climbing, and scouting required
• Cultural depth — practiced by emperors, nomads, and modern sportsmen alike
For many, falconry is more than sport — it’s a lifestyle.
Best Falconry Telemetry Systems: GPS & Radio Tracking for Falcons.
Falconry is a centuries-old tradition that demands precision, patience, and a deep bond between falconer and bird. But even the most experienced falconers know that once a raptor takes flight, anything can happen. That’s where falconry telemetry systems come in — not as luxury, but as necessity. These systems have revolutionized the sport, offering real-time tracking, security, and peace of mind.
Why Falconry Telemetry Systems Matter
Losing a bird is every falconer’s nightmare. Raptors can fly for miles, disappear behind terrain, or get caught in unexpected weather. In the past, many promising birds were lost forever. Today, telemetry systems allow falconers to track their birds with pinpoint accuracy, even when they’re out of sight.
Telemetry isn’t just about recovery — it’s about safety, training, and maximizing performance. With the right system, you can monitor flight patterns, assess hunting behavior, and intervene when necessary. Whether you fly in open plains or dense forests, telemetry gives you control without compromising the bird’s freedom.
What Is Falconry Telemetry?
Falconry telemetry refers to electronic tracking systems attached to a bird of prey. These systems transmit signals that can be picked up by a receiver, allowing the falconer to locate the bird in real time. There are two primary technologies used:
• Radio telemetry: Uses VHF signals to triangulate the bird’s position.
• GPS telemetry: Offers precise location data, often with mapping and logging features.
Both systems have their place, and choosing the right one depends on your terrain, bird species, and flying style.
Why Attach Telemetry to Falcons?
Falcons are fast, agile, and capable of covering vast distances in minutes. Unlike hawks or eagles, they often fly high and far, making visual tracking nearly impossible. Telemetry ensures:
• Recovery after long flights or missed returns
• Monitoring during training sessions
• Protection from theft or injury
• Data collection for performance analysis
Mounting a transmitter is a standard practice among serious falconers. It’s not invasive and, when done correctly, doesn’t hinder the bird’s movement or comfort.
Types of Falconry Telemetry Systems
1. Radio Telemetry Systems
These systems use a small transmitter that emits a VHF signal. The falconer uses a directional antenna and receiver to locate the bird by signal strength and direction.
Mounting options:
• Leg mount: Easy to attach, but can snag in vegetation.
• Tail mount: Aerodynamic and unobtrusive, but risky if the feather is lost.
• Backpack mount: Secure and balanced, ideal for long flights.
• Neck mount: Less common due to potential discomfort.
Pros:
• Lightweight
• Reliable in remote areas
• Long battery life
Cons:
• Requires manual triangulation
• Limited data (no GPS coordinates)
2. GPS Telemetry Systems
GPS systems provide exact coordinates, often displayed on a smartphone or tablet. Some models include logging features to track flight paths over time.
Pros:
• Real-time location on maps
• Historical flight data
• Easier recovery in complex terrain
Cons:
• Heavier than radio units
• Shorter battery life
• More expensive
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a telemetry system, consider:
• Range: Radio systems typically offer 20–80 km depending on terrain. GPS systems vary but often reach 10–30 km with real-time updates.
• Weight: Transmitters must be light enough not to burden the bird. Most weigh between 5–12 grams.
• Durability: Units should be weatherproof and impact-resistant.
• Battery life: Radio transmitters can last 5–30 days. GPS units usually offer 8–48 hours of active tracking.
• Frequency: Common VHF bands include 216 MHz and 433 MHz. Choose legal and interference-free frequencies for your region.
Leading Brands and Prices
🛠️ Marshall Radio Telemetry
One of the most respected names in falconry telemetry. Offers both GPS and radio systems.
• RT GPS System: Includes GPS transmitter, receiver, and app integration.
Price: ~$1,200–$1,500 USD
• RT UHF System: High-performance radio telemetry with long range.
Price: ~$700–$1,000 USD
• TrackPack Harness: Secure backpack-style mount.
Price: ~$50–$80 USD
🛠️ Ben Long Falconry (UK)
Known for durable, easy-to-use radio systems.
• Black Falcon 3-Channel System (433 MHz)
Includes receiver, transmitter, tail mount, and accessories.
Price: £525–£685 GBP (~$650–$850 USD) A
🛠️ L.L. Electronics
Offers customizable systems for different bird sizes and terrains.
• Basic VHF System
Price: ~$400–$600 USD
• Advanced GPS Logger
Price: ~$1,000+ USD
Real-World Use: A Falconer’s Perspective
As a falconer who flies peregrines and sakers in mixed terrain, I rely on telemetry every day. My GPS unit has saved birds from being lost in fog, chased by larger raptors, or distracted by prey. I’ve used tail mounts for speed flights and backpack mounts for long-range hunts. The investment pays off not just in bird safety, but in peace of mind.
Telemetry also helps with training. By reviewing flight logs, I can adjust my release points, anticipate behavior, and fine-tune my birds’ conditioning. It’s not just a tool — it’s part of the craft.
Final Thoughts
Falconry telemetry systems are no longer optional for serious falconers. Whether you fly in open fields or dense forests, these systems provide the safety, control, and data needed to elevate your practice. From basic radio units to advanced GPS trackers, there’s a solution for every budget and bird.
In addition to tracking and recovery, falconry telemetry systems play a vital role in preventing bird theft and unauthorized handling. High-value raptors such as gyrfalcons, peregrines, and hybrid breeds are often targets for poaching or illegal trade.
Investing in telemetry is investing in your bird’s future — and your own legacy as a falconer.
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