The peregrine falcon is one of the most majestic and impressive birds of prey. Known for its speed and aerial acrobatics, it has captivated humans throughout history. Peregrines have been used in the ancient art of falconry for centuries, prized for their hunting ability, intelligence, and trainability. But are peregrines truly the best falconry bird? Let’s take a closer look at the natural history, attributes, and suitability of peregrines for falconry.
What are peregrine falcons?
Peregrines are a medium-sized falcon found on every continent except Antarctica. There are 19 subspecies, including the familiar North American peregrine (Falco peregrinus anatum), which was endangered but has recovered after restrictions on organochlorine pesticides. Peregrines nest on tall cliffs and urban towers and hunt other birds in flight. They can reach speeds over 200 mph in their signature hunting stoop, making them the fastest animal on Earth.
Key facts about peregrine falcons:
- Latin name: Falco peregrinus
- Length: 15-20 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5-4 feet
- Weight: 1-2.5 pounds
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years in wild, over 20 years in captivity
- Prey: Almost exclusively on birds mid-flight
- Breeding: Nests on cliffs, lays 3-4 eggs, incubates for 29-33 days
- Speed: Over 200 mph hunting stoop, average cruising speed around 40 mph
- Range: Found on every continent except Antarctica, some populations migratory
Peregrines are fierce predators, but have adapted well to living alongside humans. Their natural cliff habitats are limited, so they readily use tall human structures for nesting. Peregrines can now be found breeding in many urban areas.
History of peregrines in falconry
Falconry utilizes trained birds of prey to hunt wild quarry. As a traditional hunting method, its origins are ancient, dating back thousands of years. The peregrine has been one of the most prized falconry birds for much of this history.
Peregrines were used in falconry across medieval Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In Europe during the Middle Ages, peregrines were reserved for nobles to hunt with. Commoners were restricted to larger, slower birds like goshawks.
Peregrines remained popular with aristocratic falconers through the Renaissance and Elizabethan periods. Their reputation as a prestigious hunting bird led to cultural fame. The peregrine features prominently in English coats of arms and heraldry.
In North America, early colonial falconers quickly recognized the peregrine’s excellence. Use of wild-caught peregrines spread as American falconry grew in the early 1900s. After World War II, a thriving peregrine trade imported wild birds from Scotland to the US for falconers.
The peregrine population crashed in the mid-20th century due to DDT and other pesticides. Restrictions were placed on capturing wild birds. However, successful captive breeding and reintroduction programs have allowed sustainable peregrine use in falconry once again.
Why are peregrines good for falconry?
Peregrines possess many inherent qualities which make them excellent falconry birds, especially for hunting other birds. These include:
Speed – A peregrine’s diving speed of over 200 mph is simply unmatched in the natural world. This allows them to catch fast flying birds like ducks and doves much better than any other raptor. The peregrine’s speed and aerial agility enable it to excel at dramatic, high-flying hawk hunts.
Athleticism – Peregrines are powerful, fast-flying acrobats. Their amazing speed and aerial maneuvers are thrilling to watch. This makes them exciting to handle and fly, keeping training interesting for both falconer and bird.
Intelligence – Peregrines are smart, intensely focused birds. They are very receptive to training and eager to learn hunting skills. Well-trained peregrines are mentally engaged with their falconer and the hunt.
Adaptability – Peregrines thrive in varied habitats across a broad geographic range. They can acclimate to most conditions a falconer encounters, from open plains to thick woods. Urban peregrines adjust well to bustling cities.
Eagerness – Peregrines seem to relish the chase and attack their prey with enthusiasm. They fly aggressively at quarry and bind to it decisively. This natural drive and determination makes them very motivated hunters.
Boldness – Peregrines are fierce birds that don’t hesitate or shy away when hunting. They will dive headlong at dangerous prey like ducks over water. This confident style suits them for dramatic hawk hunts.
Advantages of Peregrines for Falconry |
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Speed – over 200 mph diving stoop |
Athleticism – aerial acrobatics |
Intelligence – receptiveness to training |
Adaptability – thrives in varied habitats |
Eagerness – motivated hunting drive |
Boldness – fierce aggression on quarry |
What do peregrines hunt in falconry?
The peregrine’s nature as a bird hunting specialist makes it excel at taking feathered quarry. Typical peregrine prey includes:
Ducks and geese – These are classic peregrine game. A peregrine stooping at flocking ducks over a marsh is an iconic falconry scene. The peregrine’s speed and aerial skill allows it to catch strong-flying ducks.
Doves and pigeons – Fast, agile doves like mourning doves are perfect peregrine prey. Peregrines are able to bind to twisting, jinking doves. Feral pigeons are common urban game.
Shorebirds – Many shorebirds fly swiftly and erratically, testing the peregrine’s capabilities. Dunlin, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and plovers are challenging, rewarding prey items.
Coots and rails – Though they rarely fly far, secretive marsh birds burst out fast and low. Peregrines excel at this quick, low-flying hunting. Species include coots, gallinules, and soras.
Other birds – Almost any good-sized bird can fall prey to a skilled peregrine. Some examples are grouse, quail, sparrows, starlings, jays, blackbirds, and grackles. Given the chance, peregrines will readily chase passerines.
Peregrines can take quite large prey, including ducks, doves, and pigeons up to about 1 to 1.5 pounds. The largest recorded prey is a sandhill crane weighing 8 pounds!
limit game to appropriate size
However, responsible falconers limit quarry to suitable sizes and species for the raptor. Taking overly large or dangerous prey risks injury. Most peregrines fly at medium-sized birds up to dove or duck sized. Larger species like geese and cranes are inappropriate daily game for peregrines.
Challenges of using peregrines in falconry
While they excel at hunting feathered quarry, peregrines do have some limitations and drawbacks as falconry birds:
Difficult weight management – Peregrines put on weight easily with extra food. Obese peregrines quickly lose flying ability. Keeping peregrines fit but not fat takes very careful weighing and feeding.
Fragility – Although they are powerful fliers, peregrines have delicate body structures. Their thin-walled bones and long wings are vulnerable to breaks and tears. Flying into obstacles or tangled quarry can injure them.
Wariness – Peregrines tend to be more aloof and independent compared to other falconry birds. Building trust and bonding with a peregrine takes time and patience.
Touchiness – Peregrines often seem to have finer triggers and more sensitive responses. Minor events can unsettle them. Their reactions must be read carefully.
Prey fixation – When focused on prey, peregrines can be stubborn and difficult to recall. This single-mindedness makes getting them to return to the falconer challenging at times.
Difficult re-training – Once peregrines learn bad habits, they can be very stubborn about changing their ways. Re-training mistakes takes a firm but delicate approach.
Challenges of Using Peregrines |
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Difficult weight management |
Fragility to injury |
Wariness and aloofness |
Touchiness and sensitivity |
Prey fixation and recall issues |
Difficulty re-training |
Are peregrines the best falconry bird?
For hunting agile, fast-flying birds over open ground, peregrines have no equal in falconry. Their sheer speed, aerial mastery, and aggressive boldness make them phenomenal duck hawks. Throughout history, many falconers have deemed the peregrine the finest bird for the sport.
However, there is truly no singular “best” falconry bird. Different raptors have different strengths and are better suited to certain prey and habitats. Much also depends on the individual bird’s attitude and the preferences of the falconer.
Several other raptors can also make excellent falconry birds, such as:
Gyrfalcons – Very large, powerful falcons also adept at bird hunting. Slower but stronger than peregrines. Often favored for big waterfowl like geese.
Harris hawks – Versatile, sociable hawks that hunt well in groups. Excellent for rabbits and other small mammals. Thrive in hot, arid climates.
Goshawks – Large accipiters, like “flying crossbows”. Agile in forests pursuing pheasants, grouse, and squirrels.
Red-tailed hawks – Broadly capable, adaptable buteo well suited for small to medium game like rabbits and ducks.
The bottom line is most trained bird of prey can provide an enriching falconry experience if matched well to suitable quarry and habitat. Interested beginners should learn about different species to decide what’s best for them.
Other Excellent Falconry Birds |
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Gyrfalcons |
Harris hawks |
Goshawks |
Red-tailed hawks |
Getting started with peregrines for falconry
If interested in pursuing falconry with peregrines, be sure to check your regional regulations. Most states require new apprentices to begin with red-tails or Harris hawks and gain experience before flying peregrines.
Finding a peregrine will also take some work. Wild peregrines can’t be taken from the nest legally. Trapping passage migrants requires difficult permits. Getting a captive-bred bird from a falconer or facility is usually the best option.
Be prepared to patiently gain your bird’s trust. Peregrines tend to bond slower than other species. Use gentle, positive training methods tailored to the individual. Provide good exercise with plenty of free flying. With time and care, you’ll develop a great hunting partner.
Key points for starting with peregrines:
– Check local and state falconry laws
– Research and select a suitable bird
– Use gentle, positive training techniques
– Let the bird fly and build fitness naturally
– Be patient in building mutual trust and bonding
Conclusion
The peregrine falcon is an iconic raptor that has long been prized by falconers. Peregrines possess astonishing speed, supreme aerial ability, intelligence, eagerness to hunt, and boldness in going after prey. These innate characteristics make them extremely well-suited for taking bird prey in dramatic, high-flying hunts. Peregrines do present some challenges, including fragility, wariness, and difficulty in re-training. However, for the dedicated falconer willing to build a strong bond through careful, patient work, the peregrine’s advantages make it arguably the finest bird for traditional feathered quarry hawk hunts over open country. While the peregrine’s advantages are hard to match, there are many excellent raptors to choose from in falconry. Interested novices should research species thoroughly and ensure they can properly care for and fly the bird they obtain. If your interest is captivated by their speed, athleticism and prowess, a peregrine could prove a deeply rewarding falconry partner.