Falconry Birds

Species profiles and information about birds used in falconry

Falconry utilizes various species of raptors, each with unique characteristics and hunting styles. Understanding these differences is crucial for successful falconry. Below are the primary species used in the sport, organized by genus.

Genus Falco - The Falcons

True falcons characterized by pointed wings, high-speed flight, and distinctive hunting techniques

Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon

Falco rusticolus

Weight: 1.5-4 lbs

Habitat: Arctic tundra

Prey: Ptarmigan, grouse, waterfowl

Largest falcon, powerful flier from arctic regions. Most powerful of all falcons.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Weight: 1-3.5 lbs

Habitat: Cliffs, cities, coasts

Prey: Birds in flight

Worldwide distribution, fastest in dive (240+ mph). The classic bird of falconry.

Prairie Falcon

Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus

Weight: 1-2.5 lbs

Habitat: Arid regions, deserts

Prey: Ground squirrels, birds, jackrabbits

Desert falcon, excellent hunter of both birds and mammals.

Merlin

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Weight: 4-8 oz

Habitat: Open woodlands, grasslands

Prey: Small birds

Tiny but determined, covers extensive sky during hunts. Fierce despite small size.

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Weight: 4-6 oz

Habitat: Open areas, fields

Prey: Insects, small birds, mice

Smallest falcon, stealth hunter. Not a beginner's bird - requires experienced handler.

Genus Buteo - The Buzzards

Broad-winged soaring hawks known for their versatility and strength

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

Weight: 2.5-5 lbs

Habitat: Prairies, deserts

Prey: Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rabbits

Largest American hawk, powerful mammal hunter.

Red-tailed Hawk - Cisco

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Weight: 2-4 lbs

Habitat: Varied - forests to deserts

Prey: Rabbits, squirrels, rats, birds

Most successful raptor in North America. Now the preferred apprentice bird. Most versatile game bird.

Cisco is a Red-tailed Hawk!

Red-shouldered Hawk - Ms. Elbert

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

Weight: 1-2 lbs

Habitat: Deciduous forests, swamps

Prey: Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles

Woodland bird, smaller than Red-tail. Prefers woodland hunting.

Genus Parabuteo

Social hunting hawks known for cooperative behavior

Harris's Hawk - Farrah

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

Weight: 18-40 oz

Habitat: Desert, scrubland

Prey: Rabbits, rats, birds, reptiles

Highly popular, probably the most versatile and productive bird in all of falconry. These social birds hunt cooperatively in groups, making them unique among raptors used in falconry.

Farrah and BB are Harris's Hawks!

Genus Accipiter - True Hawks

Forest hawks with short wings and long tails, built for agility in dense cover

Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Weight: 1.5-3 lbs

Habitat: Mature forests

Prey: Grouse, rabbits, squirrels

Classical large game hawk. Fierce and powerful hunter, persistent and fast.

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Weight: 0.5-1.5 lbs

Habitat: Mixed woodlands

Prey: Birds, small mammals

Crow-sized forest hawk with excellent foot ability. Agile forest hunter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Weight: 3-8 oz

Habitat: Forests, woodland edges

Prey: Small birds

Smallest accipiter, primary sparrow hawk. Smallest true hawk in North America.

Important Note

All raptors are protected under federal and state laws. Falconry requires proper licensing, training, and adherence to strict regulations. Never attempt to capture or keep a raptor without proper permits and supervision from a licensed falconer.