Falconry, once the “sport of kings,” is the art of training falcons, hawks, or eagles to hunt game. A falconer is a person who hunts with trained birds of prey.
Training the birds requires patience and persistence. Basically, a hunting bird must be tamed, or “manned,” and taught to return to the falconer’s fist or to a lure. Special devices aid the falconer. A hood covers the eyes of the bird, keeping it calm. Small bells or radio transmitters are placed on the bird to help locate it when lost. Leg straps called jesses restrict the bird’s movement when it is on the falconer’s hand or perch. A heavy glove protects the falconer’s hand from the bird’s claws.
The ancient Chinese and the ancient Persians independently began the sport of falconry more than 3,000 years ago. Falconry flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages. Each social class was assigned a certain falcon or hawk to fly as a symbol of rank. Kings flew majestic gyrfalcons, and serfs flew goshawks. In the 1700’s, the wide use of firearms nearly brought an end to falconry. The sport, however, continues to attract many followers, especially in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Because of successful breeding programs, falconry has entered a new era in which the domesticated ancestries of hawks and falcons are becoming established.
