What is Falconry?

The Simple Definition

Falconry is the practice of hunting wild game using a trained bird of prey. The falconer (the human) works in partnership with the raptor (the bird) to pursue and capture quarry in the field.

Despite its name, falconry isn’t limited to falcons. Hawks, eagles, and other raptors are all used. The term “falconry” has simply become the umbrella name for the practice, though purists sometimes distinguish between “falconry” (hunting with falcons) and “hawking” (hunting with hawks).

Falconry Meaning & Etymology

The word "falconry" comes from the Latin falco, meaning falcon, which itself may derive from falx (sickle), referring to the curved shape of a falcon’s talons or beak. While the term literally refers to hunting with falcons, falconry has become the universal name for all forms of hunting with trained birds of prey—including hawks, eagles, and owls.

In many traditions, more specific terms are used. "Hawking" refers to hunting with short-winged hawks (accipiters) like Goshawks and Cooper’s Hawks. "Austringer" is the term for a person who flies hawks rather than falcons. In the Middle East, falconry is called al-bayzarah in Arabic, while the Japanese tradition is known as takagari. Regardless of the term, the core practice remains the same: a trained bird of prey hunting wild quarry in partnership with a human.

A 4,000-Year-Old Practice

Falconry is one of humanity’s oldest hunting traditions. Evidence suggests it began in the steppes of Central Asia around 2,000 BCE—possibly earlier. From there, it spread along trade routes to Arabia, Persia, Europe, and eventually the Americas.

In medieval Europe, falconry became deeply embedded in noble culture. The species of bird you flew indicated your social rank: eagles for emperors, gyrfalcons for kings, peregrines for earls, and so on down to the humble kestrel for servants.

Today, falconry is practiced on every continent except Antarctica. In 2016, UNESCO recognized falconry as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity"—one of the few hunting practices to receive this distinction.

Falconry Today: Facts & Figures

Modern falconry is alive and growing worldwide. Here are some key facts about the practice today:

• Licensed falconers in the U.S.: Approximately 4,000-5,000 active permit holders across all 50 states.
• Global reach: Falconry is practiced in over 80 countries on six continents.
• UNESCO recognition: In 2016, falconry was inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognized by 24 countries.
• Most popular species: In North America, the Red-tailed Hawk and Harris’s Hawk are the most commonly flown birds.
• Regulation: In the U.S., falconry is regulated at both federal and state levels, requiring exams, facility inspections, and a minimum two-year apprenticeship.

While the tools have modernized—GPS telemetry has replaced traditional bells for tracking, and apps like FalconryLab help manage weight and training data—the fundamental relationship between falconer and bird remains unchanged from 4,000 years ago.

What Modern Falconry Looks Like

Modern falconry looks different from its historical form, but the core remains the same: a partnership between human and bird.

A typical falconer might wake before dawn, weigh their bird, and head to a hunting spot. The bird sits hooded on the glove during the drive. At the field, the falconer removes the hood, the bird takes flight, and together they search for quarry—rabbits, pheasants, ducks, or other game depending on the bird’s species and capabilities.

When prey is spotted, the bird pursues. If successful, the falconer rewards the bird and they hunt again. If not, they regroup and continue. A morning’s hawking might produce several catches—or none at all.

Common Misconceptions

“You keep the bird in a cage”

Falconry birds live in a mews (a specialized shelter), not a cage. They’re typically tethered to a perch and have daily handling, exercise, and regular hunting trips. During the off-season, many falconers release their birds back to the wild or free-fly them in large enclosures.

“The birds are forced to hunt”

You cannot force a raptor to do anything. These are apex predators with razor-sharp talons and beaks. The falconer creates conditions where hunting is appealing—the bird is fit, at flying weight, and presented with opportunity. The bird chooses to pursue (or not).

“It’s cruel to the prey”

Falconry is hunting, which means animals die. But compared to other forms of hunting, falconry has a low success rate. Birds miss far more often than they catch. And when they do catch, death is typically quick—raptors are efficient predators by necessity.

“Anyone can do it”

Technically true, but realistically demanding. In the United States, you need to pass an exam, build approved facilities, find a licensed sponsor, and complete a minimum two-year apprenticeship—before you can even trap your first bird. Then comes the actual training.

Why People Practice Falconry

Ask ten falconers why they do it and you’ll get ten answers. But common threads emerge:

• Connection to nature: Falconry forces you outside, into fields and forests, following a wild predator.
• The partnership: Working with an animal that chooses to work with you is deeply satisfying.
• The challenge: It’s hard. The difficulty is part of the appeal.
• The history: Participating in a 4,000-year tradition connects you to something larger.
• The community: Falconers tend to be passionate people. The community is tight-knit and generous.

Is Falconry for You?

Falconry is not a hobby you pick up casually. It demands time (daily care, regular hunting), money (equipment, facilities, veterinary care), and space (legal hunting grounds, proper housing).

But for those willing to commit, it offers something rare: a direct, unmediated partnership with a wild predator. No screens, no intermediaries—just you, the bird, and the hunt.

If that sounds compelling, keep reading. The next article covers what it actually takes to become a falconer.