Are Falcons legal in the UK?

Quick Answer

Yes, falcons are legal to own and fly in the UK with the proper licenses and permits. Most falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and can only be owned if captive bred. A falconry permit, Article 10 certificate, ringing permit and CITES certificate are required.

Overview of Falconry Laws

Falconry has a long history in the UK, dating back to the Anglo Saxons in the 5th century. While the practice declined after the invention of guns, a resurgence in the last century has led to complex laws regulating the practice. Here are the key things to know:

• Most native UK falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and cannot be taken from the wild.
• Captive bred birds can be owned with proper licenses – a falconry permit and Article 10 certificate.
• All birds must be registered and ringed, requiring a ringing permit from the British Trust for Ornithology.
• Falcons are listed under CITES Appendix I and II, requiring CITES certification for international transport.
• Only qualified master falconers can own the species listed under Schedule 4 of the Act.

So in summary, falcons can be legally owned if captive bred but there are stringent regulations in place for welfare, training and flying of the birds.

Protected Species of Falcons in the UK

There are several species of falcons native to the UK that are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being taken from the wild. Here are some of the main protected UK falcons:

• Peregrine Falcon
• Merlin
• Hobby
• Gyrfalcon
• Red Kite

Any birds from these protected species must be captive bred in order to be legally owned. Their nests and eggs cannot be disturbed without appropriate licenses.

Requirements for Owning Falcons in the UK

To legally own a falcon in the UK, a number of permits and certificates are required:

Falconry Permit

This permit is issued by the appropriate governmental environment agency and allows for the holding of falcons for falconry. Permits are only issued to suitable experienced applicants and can place restrictions on species and numbers of birds held.

Article 10 Certificate

This certificate is required under the CITES regulations and certifies that a captive bred CITES listed bird was bred in accordance with the treaty. This proves the bird was legally obtained.

Ringing Permit

A permit from the British Trust for Ornithology allows for the legal ringing of falcons with traceable leg bands. This allows the birds to be identified if lost or stolen.

CITES Certificate

For transporting falcons internationally, a CITES certificate is needed to comply with the restrictions on trade of endangered species.

In addition, certain sensitive species have further restrictions under Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act on who can own them. Only experienced master falconers who have demonstrated competence can be approved for these species after thorough vetting.

Rules for Flying Falcons

Falconers flying their birds in the UK must adhere to the following rules and regulations:

• All flights must be registered with land owners and proper permission obtained.
• Falcons can only be flown to take legal quarry such as certain game birds or rabbits.
• Quarry cannot be taken during the breeding season and other protected times.
• Falcons must be trained to return promptly after flights.
• Falcons cannot be flown near livestock, roads or airports where a hazard could occur.

Following these rules ensures falconry remains sustainable and compliant with wildlife protection laws. Illegal taking of quarry can lead to prosecution.

Purchasing a falcon

With the UK’s tight regulations, purchasing a falcon requires diligence to ensure the bird was captive bred and all the right certifications are in place. Here are some tips:

• Only obtain birds from reputable, known breeders.
• Check the breeder’s facilities adhere to best practices.
• Review all paperwork – request copies of the Article 10, CITES permit, ringing details etc.
• Ask for references from other buyers to vouch for the breeder.
• Be wary of cheap offers – high quality bred birds are expensive.
• Avoid online auction sites where illicit trade may occur.

Taking these precautions helps avoid illegally sourced birds that could be seized and penalty fines issued.

Costs of Falconry

Owning and flying falcons is an expensive endeavor in the UK due to all the licensing requirements and high costs of reputably bred birds. Here are some typical costs:

Item	Cost
Falconry permit	£178
Article 10 Certificate	£244
Ringing permit	£50
Falcon (captive bred)	£1,000 – £10,000
Housing	£300+
Equipment (leashes, gloves, bags etc)	£500+
Vet bills	£200 – £500 p.a.

Ongoing costs of several thousand pounds per year should be expected for housing, feeding, enrichment and healthcare for the birds. Falconry is a luxury hobby in the UK!

Care and Housing Requirements

Falcons require specialized housing and expert care. Here are some key requirements:

Facilities

• A weathering area – an enclosed sheltered space where birds are tethered.
• A large flight aviary for exercising.
• Indoor night boxes for roosting.
• A mews – an enclosed structure to house birds and equipment.
• A falconry lawn for ground training.

Diet

• Fresh killed prey items like quail, rats or rabbits.
• Supplemented with vitamins.
• Clean fresh water always available.
• Facilities for refrigerating/freezing prey items.

Enrichment

• A variety of perches of different widths and textures.
• Toys like balls and hanging items to bat and chew.
• Bathing opportunities in shallow water.
• Training and social interaction.

Healthcare

• Regular weight checks and physical exams.
• Vaccinations and preventative medications.
• Prompt treatment by avian vets for any injuries or illness.
• Regular maintenance of feet, beak, nails and feathers.

Providing this specialized care requires expertise in falconry husbandry. Welfare must be maintained to very high standards.

Training Falcons

The process of training falcons is referred to as “manning” and requires patient positive reinforcement and trust building between bird and falconer. Here are some keys to successful training:

• Establish a strong relationship through regular interactions, rewarding good behavior.
• Use a lure like a leather glove to get the bird accustomed to returning to the fist for food.
• Introduce equipment like jesses, leashes and hoods gradually so they are accepted.
• Start with short flights to the fist, slowly extending length and duration.
• Swing lure to build flight muscles and stamina over time.
• Introduce the bird to quarry items like bags, feathers and tugs.
• Long term positive reinforcement is critical – falconry is a partnership.

A strong bond of trust between falcon and handler is essential for hunting success and preventing loss of birds. Proper manning takes years.

Finding a Falconry Club

For those new to the sport, joining a falconry club can provide essential mentorship, training advice and networking. Here are some ways to find a club:

• Contact the British Falconers Club – they have regional chapters.
• Search for local clubs online – social media groups are helpful.
• Attend country fairs or events where falconers congregate.
• Talk to staff at raptor sanctuaries and centres.
• Join online forums and mailing lists for UK falconers.

An experienced club can guide you through the complex regulatory environment and help source reputable birds and equipment as you embark on your falconry journey.

Is Falconry Cruel?

There are debates around the ethics of falconry and whether the practice should be permitted. Some key considerations around cruelty:

• Falcons seem to show a natural predilection and ability for hunting.
• Falconry provides falcons a more comfortable life than the wild with healthcare and regular food.
• Scaling back during moulting seasons prevents over-exertion of birds.
• A falconer’s devotion to their bird’s wellbeing creates a low stress life.
• Illegal or incompetent practice of falconry can lead to suffering.
• Overwork, injury or weight loss indicates unethical practice.

So while falconry has potential for cruelty, a devoted falconer striving to form a partnership built on trust, who puts the bird’s needs first, can provide their falcon an enriching life.

Is Falconry Still Popular?

While not as widespread as in medieval times, falconry remains popular in the UK today. Key signs of its continued appeal:

• 10,000 active falconry license holders in the UK as of 2020.
• 89 active falconry clubs across Britain.
• Increase in female participation, now representing 25% of license holders.
• Falconry demonstrations at country shows attract large audiences.
• MEDIA PROFILE remains high – features in TV shows like Peaky Blinders.
• Social media has fueled interest in the sport.

So while it remains a niche pastime, falconry still attracts devoted enthusiasts passionate about the art. Its persistence seems assured thanks to this popularity.

Getting Started in Falconry

For those interested in taking up falconry, here are some tips for getting started:

1. Research extensively – falconry has complex regulations, equipment and techniques.
2. Find a club and mentor to guide you.
3. Study for and pass the falconry exam.
4. Consider starting with a more forgiving species like a red-tailed hawk.
5. Be prepared for high startup costs for housing, equipment and birds.
6. Build relationships with vets, breeders and other falconers.
7. Join associations like the British Falconers Club.
8. Be patient – expect 2-3 years of learning before having your own bird.

Falconry requires a major commitment of time and resources. But for those with a passion for raptors and an eagerness to learn, it offers a deeply rewarding path.

Conclusion

While complex and highly regulated, falconry remains a legal and popular field sport in modern Britain. For the devoted few prepared to invest the time and training, forming a close partnership with one of nature’s most formidable predators promises an experience like no other. But it is not something to be entered into lightly – only with the utmost respect and commitment to the birds’ welfare.