Osprey (Pandion)
The Osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist
fish-eater with a worldwide distribution. Generally speaking
it does not lend itself to falconry. However the possibility
of using a raptor to obtain fish is an interesting idea.
Some sea eagles, such as the North American bald eagle,
have been trained to snatch floating objects from the surface
of paddling pools, imitating their natural fish capturing
behaviour but this has not been refined into true fishing
behaviour.
Sea Eagles (Haliaëtus)
Most species of this genus, to some extent, catch and
eat fish, some almost exclusively. However, in countries
where they are not protected, some have been effectively
used in hunting for ground quarry. They are also
carrion eaters, particularly in areas with a lot
of domestic
livestock such as sheep. Here they will scavenge
the corpses of dead animals. This behaviour has often
led
to them having a bad and ill-deserved reputation
for killing livestock.
True Eagles (Aquila)
This genus has a worldwide distribution. When used in
falconry, this large powerful bird has been used to
hunt wolves in Kazakhstan, and other large prey such
as roe deer and foxes. They are primarily ground oriented
but will occasionally take birds. Golden eagles have
been observed snatching young falcons from their clifftop
nests.
Buzzards (Buteoninae)
This genus has worldwide distribution but is particularly
well represented in North America. The Red-tailed Hawk,
Ferruginous Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk are all types
of this genus that are used in falconry today. Of these
the Red tailed hawk is most commonly used in the UK
as its size makes it ideal for hunting rabbits and
pheasants, the most common quarry species in the United
Kingdom.
The European or common Buzzard is also widely owned
but is not a particularly good bird for hunting with.
Some falconers report more interest in feeding upon worms
than chasing large quarry in this species. Of course,
this mimics the natural behaviour of these raptors whose
natural diet includes a lot of invertebrates and carrion
as well as live prey.
The Harris Hawk (Parabuteo)
This is the sole representative of the Parabuteo genus
worldwide. This is arguably the very best rabbit raptor
available anywhere. The Harris' Hawk is extremely popular
in the UK because of its temperament and ability. They
are gregarious birds: they are the only semi-social
raptor; all others are not social except with their
mate, so they can hunt in groups, a behaviour that
is common for family groups in the wild, particularly
in more harsh environments. This genus is native to
the Americas in areas with a warm climate.
The True Hawks (Accipiter)
This genus of raptor is also found worldwide. Many members
of the hawking fraternity are only "turned on" by
accipters. People exclusively flying hawks, particularly
accipiters are correctly referred to as "austringers" not "falconers".
The most commonly kept and flown species in the UK
are the diminutive song-bird specialist the sparrow-hawk
and the larger and more powerful goshawk. Their relatively
short , broad wings endow them with fast flight and
high manoeuvrability. They can catch prey in the air
or on the ground.
The Falcons (Falco)
This genus is found worldwide. Much falconry is concerned
with species of this group of birds. True falcons
are generally oriented towards birds as prey, catching
or killing the prey on the wing. The peregrine falcon
is now recognised as the fasted animal on earth.
When
in a "stoop", the fast downward dive from
an elevated height that is used to build up speed
prior to striking a bird in the air with an outstretched
talon, peregrines have been clocked in excess of
200
miles per hour.
The Owl (Strigidae)
Owls are not closely related to hawks or falcons. There
is little written in classic falconry that discusses
the use of Owls in falconry. However, there are at
least two species that have successfully been used,
the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Great Horned Owl. The
eurasian eagle owl is the largest species of owl in
the world with adult females weighing up to 5 kilos
and having very large talons.
Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)
This medium sized, heavily built bird is the archetypal
falcon. Preying almost exclusively upon birds, it's
powers of flight have captivated falconers for centuries.
A worldwide species that declined sharply due to pesticide
poisoning in the 1950's and 1960's, the Peregrine has
made a good recovery and Britain has the most significant
population in Europe. In falconry this species sets
the standard against which all other trained falcons
are measured.
Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
This strong and robust hawk has been the mainstay of
falconry for many years. Once known as the 'cooks hawk'
or "butcher's bird" because of its' ability
to catch a wide variety of quarry for the larder. The
Goshawk is the shortwing par excellence capable of
taking quarry such as pheasant, rabbit and hare. It
can be flown in enclosed country and its versatility
has made it much coveted. In the 19th century Britain
it was persecuted out of existence, however today it
has been re-established with a small but steadily increasing
population.
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The smallest European falcon, the Merlin was the 'ladies
falcon' in mediaeval times. It hunts small birds and
in it's trained state is used to pursue skylarks. This
is done under license from DEFRA with the number of
larks taken strictly controlled. It is small but versatile
falcon with the male commonly known as a 'Jack'.
Redtail Hawk (Buteo jamaicenis)
This North American buzzard has proved to be an excellent
falconry bird. It is an aggressive and powerful hunter
of rabbit and hare. Whilst closely related to our own
common buzzard, the Redtail is bigger and more predatory.
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