Falconry is the ancient sport of hunting wild quarry with a trained bird of prey. It has a rich history spanning thousands of years across many cultures. While many birds can be used for falconry, hawks are among the most popular choices. But not all hawks are equally well-suited to the demands of this sport. Different hawks have different attributes that determine how they can be used by falconers. The most commonly used hawks for falconry include several species in the genera Accipiter, Buteo, Falco and Harris’s hawk.
What Makes a Good Falconry Hawk?
When choosing a hawk for falconry, there are several factors falconers consider:
Size
The size of the hawk is important for the type of prey it will be used to hunt. Smaller hawks like sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks in the Accipiter genus are well-suited for small birds and mammals. The larger Buteo hawks can tackle larger quarry like ducks, pheasants, rabbits and even foxes. The largest falconry hawk, the goshawk, has the strength and stamina to bring down large prey like deer.
Temperament
A good falconry hawk must be trainable and willing to return to the falconer after pursuing prey. Accipiters like the northern goshawk have an intense hunting drive but can be temperamental. Buteos, especially the red-tailed hawk, are easier to train and have a more even temperament.
Hunting Style
Different hawks have evolved distinct hunting strategies. Long-winged hawks like the peregrine are adept at high-speed pursuit of prey in open areas. Short-winged accipiters excel at swift maneuvering through trees and brush. Broad-winged buteos can soar for hours while scanning the ground below. The hunting terrain and types of prey dictate what style of hawk is most effective.
Availability
The availability of different hawks has also influenced their popularity in falconry. In North America, wide-ranging species like the red-tailed hawk and Harris’s hawk are relatively abundant and easily obtained. Rarer or protected species like the northern goshawk and peregrine are subject to strict regulations. Availability must be balanced with the hawk’s suitability for the sport.
Most Common Falconry Hawks
While dozens of hawk species have been used in falconry, a few stand out as the most popular and effective. These include:
Harris’s Hawk
The Harris’s hawk is perhaps the most popular hawk used in modern falconry. They have an excellent reputation for being easy to train, affectionate to their handlers, and versatile hunters. Intelligent and adaptable, Harris’s hawks work well for hunting rabbits, hares, and birds. They are also unusual among raptors for sometimes hunting cooperatively in groups, allowing falconers to work with multiple Harris’s hawks. Their social nature makes them well-suited for beginning falconers.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The most common and widespread North American buteo, the red-tailed hawk is another favorite raptor for falconry. Red-tailed hawks are easy to find,trainable, and effective on a broad range of prey from ducks to rabbits. Adaptable hunters, they excel at soaring over open fields and perch-hunting for ground prey. Their stocky build allows them to tackle larger mammals like foxes and even bring down deer given the right conditions.
Northern Goshawk
The largest of the Accipiter hawks, the northern goshawk possesses speed, fearlessness, and unmatched aerial agility. They are bold, powerful hunters capable of taking large bird quarry. Fast in dense woods, they can seem almost impossible to follow. Goshawks tend to be focused, determined hunters but have a reputation for being temperamental and requiring more experienced handling.
Cooper’s Hawk
Smaller and more agile than the goshawk, Cooper’s hawks are another classic accipiter well-suited for forest bird hunting. Males are ideally sized for chasing nimble songbirds through tangled woods. Females are larger and can take on sizable quarry like grouse. Cooper’s hawks are bold hunters but also nervous and require steady, patient training.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
The smallest Accipiter hawk, the sharp-shinned is adept at taking tiny bird prey with its speed and maneuverability. Their diminutive size allows them to navigate dense, cramped environments. Individual sharp-shins can become trusting hunting partners if trained with a gentle touch. Their small size does require some special handling considerations.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is renowned for its 200 mph hunting dives. Traditionally flown at ducks and shorebirds, peregrines can also be effective against fleet-footed upland game birds. They are less commonly used in modern falconry but are the archetypal “noble” falconry bird prized through history. Strict regulations protect wild peregrines but captive-bred birds are available.
Getting Started with a Hawk for Falconry
Selecting the right hawk species is just the first step. Becoming a falconer requires dedication to learning proper care, training, and hunting techniques. Before acquiring a hawk, it’s essential to:
– Research state and federal falconry regulations. Falconers must obtain permits and pass examinations.
– Find a sponsor to mentor you through the process early on.
– Prepare housing called a mews with proper perches, baths, and lighting.
– Equip yourself with falconry gear like jesses, leashes, gloves, telemetry.
– Learn about the complex nuances of falconry including imprinting, creance training, and hunting.
Patience and persistence are mandatory. A prospective falconer must be committed to gaining the specialized knowledge and experience needed to safely keep and hunt with these magnificent raptors. It’s important to connect with the falconry community to learn by doing from skilled falconers.
Choosing the Right Hawk Species
When first starting out in falconry, it’s generally best to begin with one of the hardy, easy-going Buteo hawks such as a red-tailed hawk or Harris’s hawk. For the aspiring accipiter specialist, a male Cooper’s or sharp-shinned can be a good start. Larger species like goshawks and eagles are only recommended for experienced falconers equipped to handle their demanding natures. Whatever you choose, be sure you’re allowed to legally possess the species in your state and prepared to properly care for its needs.
Hunting Partners for Life
Developing the bond between falconer and hawk requires dedication, subtle communication, and mutual trust. When done right, the teamwork between human and raptor achieves an almost lyrical synchronicity. For the falconer willing to commit to this rich process, their hawk becomes a hunting partner and companion for life. From the first flutter of wings on the glove to a lifetime of camaraderie pursuing wild quarry together, the falconer’s journey with their bird is a truly rewarding odyssey.
Conclusion
For centuries, brave peregrines struck terror into the hearts of ducks. Stubborn goshawks refused to give into imposing quarry. Tenacious Harris’s hawks cooperated to surround elusive prey. And hardy red-tails tirelessly pursued their targets over vast open land. The selection of the right hawk species continues to be integral to the art of falconry today. Matching the hawk’s attributes and temperament to your experience level, hunting terrain, and preferred quarry is key. With dedication and care, a hawk can become the perfect wild hunting partner and cherished bird of a lifetime.