Falconry is the ancient, highly skilled, and regulated art of training birds of prey—such as falcons, hawks, and eagles—to hunt wild quarry in its natural habitat in partnership with a human (a falconer). Often called "the sport of kings," it requires a deep, trust-based bond, immense patience, and year-round commitment to the bird's care and training.
It is illegal in the UK to capture wild birds of prey, no matter what purpose you intend to use the birds for. Only birds that are bred in captivity can be used for falconry.
Falconry, the sport of hunting small prey with raptors, has been practiced for thousands of years. It's technically hunting, as a quarry is harvested, but it's the only kind of hunting where man uses a wild animal to hunt another wild animal.
In the UK, falconry isn't just a hobby, it's governed by strict wildlife and animal welfare laws. While there are no formal academic degrees required, you'll need a combination of practical skills, legal compliance, and sometimes certified training to get started.
Deep-rooted in history, hunting with falcons to catch food was an integral part of daily life for thousands of years across the Arabian Peninsula. Now it is considered a sport and a hobby, playing an important role in the life of many families.
Red-Tailed Hawks are a popular falconry bird for beginners, as these large raptors are strong, adaptable and easy to train. The females can be aggressive, but male Red-Tailed Hawks have a mild temperament. These large birds weigh 690-1600g and can reach 45–65 cm in length, with a wingspan from 110–141 cm.
Can I legally shoot pigeons in my garden in the UK?
No, you generally cannot just shoot pigeons in your UK garden as all wild birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill them without a valid reason and licence, with non-lethal methods required first. You can only shoot woodpigeons or feral pigeons under specific General Licences (like GL42: general licence to kill or take certain species of wild birds to on GOV.UK), usually for preventing serious damage to crops/livestock or disease, after trying non-lethal deterrents.
The most common is the Peregrine Falcon, as they are comparatively easy to train and are the fastest animal in the world, with a diving speed of up to 240 mph. Gyrfalcons are the largest falcons, reaching up to two feet long. They can have wingspans up to four feet and are often hunt geese, ducks, and pheasants.
Falconry or the care of any bird of prey still requires a lot of time, money, and space and is a full time commitment. A bird of prey is not a pet it is a companion and requires a lot of work I actively discourage people from taking on birds of prey, including owls.
The Gyrfalcon is the largest true falcon in the world. They have a variety of plumage colors that range from a dappled white to almost pure black. Gyrfalcons have been highly regarded by falconers throughout history.
Gauntlet The glove worn by the falconer, traditionally on the left hand. Halsband The German term for a strap of leather looped around the bird's neck and then hung down to help propel the bird (mainly Accipiters). Also called a jangoli. Here it is pictured with an accompanying neck bell.
Falconry is practiced worldwide, although it is considered to be a rare sport. Strongholds of the sport exist in Britain, the United States, Central Asia, and several Persian Gulf states—especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The eagle is widely considered the "king of birds" due to its majestic appearance, incredible strength, sharp vision, and powerful flight, symbolizing freedom and power across cultures, while folklore also tells tales of the tiny wren cleverly claiming the title through cunning.
Study and complete the theory at home, or at centres throughout the UK, where you can also undertake practical hands-on training and evaluation with a trained assessor in order to receive certification. Raptor Awards is a not-for-profit expert body serving the Bird of Prey community.
Is it legal to own a bird of prey? Yes, but as part of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, if a bird of prey is listed under section 7, schedule 4 they must be registered as living at an address in England or Wales and any captive bird of a species listed in Schedule 4 must be registered with Animal Health (DEFRA).
How Birds Teach Us Tawakkul | Dr. Omar Suleiman Birds teach us tawakkul—they wake up with empty stomachs yet return full, relying completely on Allah. They migrate for sustenance, just as believers seek spiritual nourishment. And on the Day of Judgment, some will cross the Sirat as swiftly as birds in flight.
