Setting up a falconry is a good idea, and you must know the best beginner birds to make an excellent one.
The traditional form of hunting small animals using trained birds is essential in scaring away stubborn birds. Most people adopt falconry as a hobby as they care for the birds.
When choosing birds for your falconry, ensure you get the right equipment to keep your birds calm. Keep reading as we learn about birds used for falconry.
Birds Used for Falconry
1. Harris Hawk
They are the most popular birds for falconry, where the Harris hawk makes a good one with its easy train and adapt, plus the aggressive and territorial behavior scares away tiny birds as they respond with fear.
The male hawks make the best start size which is manageable, plus they are fun to watch when in action.
The large female Harris Hawks show fabulous presence making them excellent and experienced in hunting. Additionally, hawks are more affordable than other birds and will be best for beginners.
Use a falconry of 2 to 7 birds for hunting. The best part is that the birds adapt to various terrains, from mangroves to forests. In addition, they are exciting and engaging to train.
2. Falcons
The birds make excellent falconry with their large, long, and pointed wings. Here are some falcon species to consider for your falconry.
American Kestrel
The bird has been used to make falconry since they aren’t too large to intimidate the novice. They are primarily found in North America and are commonly known as the American Sparrowhawk. They are best at hunting starlings, mice, and house sparrows.
Peregrine Falcon
It’s native to North America and Europe and is highly effective for falconry with its friendly and solitary nature, making it ideal for the handler.
It hunts large birds, including pigeons, grouse, doves, and pheasants. The bird strikes at a quarry and can circle above the potential prey at a speed of 230 mph.
Most falcons have circular nostrils to maintain respiration as they stoop with their nasal bones wholly ossified.
3. Eagles
The golden eagle, which originates from North America, makes an excellent member of the falconry. However, it’s not commonly used for falconry in the US since it needs ample flying space. They fold their wings to stoop on giant birds and can hunt rabbits and fawns.
4. Accipiters
This group of birds is known as the “true hawk” or the “yellow-eyed hawks.” They have a typical flying pattern with a glide; they are also highly prone to seizures and have a fast metabolism.
Their falconry members include:
Goshawk
The birds make excellent falconry with their powerful, determined, and agile nature. They have a high rating for hunting a range of prey with easy capture. They mostly hunt ducks, geese, quail, and rabbits.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The bird has long legs with sharp shin and flurry feathers. Most falconers prefer males for hunting starlings, sparrows, and other small birds since they feed on them exclusively. The birds work well in thickets and urban settings.
5. Other Birds
With the popularity of falconry, other birds have been tested and shown varying results in hunting. Falconers get birds that work with the falconry regulations for hunting partnership, like the great horned owls.
What is the Best Bird to Start Falconry?
If you are getting started with falconry, the best bird is the Harris hawk, which response positively to training and bonds well with the handler. The red-eyed hawk is another option for beginners but gets a little moody, but with the proper training, you will love the results.
As a beginner, you should avoid the peregrine that needs extensive training to make her obey your commands.
Make the birds comfortable, and they will respond to your commands. Then, you can advance to other birds after some experience with falconry.
What’s the Best Falconry Playing Surface?
When training your birds, you need the appropriate area for hunting. For example, falcons love large spaces where they can fly, while hawks can work on farms or in smaller fields. Avoid areas with power lines and roads for safety.
When Did Falconry Start?
The outdoor activity is believed to have started in Mesopotamia as a hunting technique when modern weaponry for hunting didn’t exist. The practice was famous in Mongolia between 4000 and 6000 BC. It became a sport in the sixth century with its rising popularity among the royal class.
The practice declined in the 20th century when the peregrine falcon became endangered. Instead, falconry is used to scare seagulls and small nuisance birds.
Wrap Up
Various birds work for falconry, and you should choose one that works for your environment.
If you are a beginner, start with hawks since they respond quickly to training before considering falcons or eagles. Ensure you meet the falconry regulations and have proper equipment and space for the birds.