Here are our picks of the most interesting facts about birds of prey. We hope you learn something new…

1. Harris Hawks are one of the only species of bird of prey known to actively hunt in packs, and so, are known as “The Wolves of the Sky” in their native countries!  

2. It’s not uncommon for the bald eagle and white-tailed sea eagle to interbreed within their species.

3. Broad-winged Gyrfalcons are the largest type of falcon in the world.

4. Gyrfalcons reuse nesting sites and some nests have been found to be aged over 2500 years old, with feathers in the nests around 600 years old! 

5. Goshawks start off with bright yellow eyes which gradually turn red as they get older. 

6. Golden Eagles have been known to attack large prey such as deer and bear cubs.

7. The females of most birds of prey species tend to be at least 1/3 larger than their male counterparts. 

8. Spectacled owls are the largest tropical owl species.

9. In the wild, black barn owls would be considered the runt of the pack and more often than not, left to die or even killed by their parents.

10. Some nocturnal owls can hear the heartbeat of their prey from over 20 meters away due to the offset layout of their ears and their facial disk working in unison to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from.

Birds of Prey Experiences at The Hawking Centre 

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the birds of prey, why not visit us at the Hawking Centre for a memorable falconry experience? 

We have a range of falconry experiences to choose from including our 1 Hour, Half Day and Full Day experiences. Book your visit now or get in touch with us if you have any queries!

Our equipment is sanitised before and after each use and then further quarantined for 72 hours after use. We kindly request that everyone attending respects our rules and adheres to any social distancing guidelines and safety procedures in place. 

If you begin to show symptoms or have been contacted by or in contact with anyone with Covid-19 symptoms please contact the office immediately to rearrange your experience or to inform us to update the track and trace platform if any symptoms are apparent after 14 days of your visit with us.

Hand Sanitiser is provided at the centre and available for use throughout your experience. We also kindly ask that you respect the measures in place within Eastwell Manor at the time of your experience. 

If you have any questions about our safety measures or would like to enquire about one of our experiences, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

Buzzard (Buteo Buteo)

Buzzards are very common, despite having come back from almost the brink of extinction, and easy to spot. 

They can typically be found on the soar and resting in the thermals high in the sky. 

You will find their wings stretched out completely, almost resembling an eagle. At the tips of their wings, the primary feathers stick out almost like individual fingers!

Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus)

Kestrels tend to hover along the tree line in search of their prey. They’re a small bird of prey weighing only around 5-6oz. 

In flight, they can hover in one spot for extended lengths of time making minute and very, very quick adjustments to move around. 

Notably, you can spot a falcon by their long and pointed wings, hence the name long wing being used to reference a falcon.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter Nisus)

Often mistaken for Kestrels whilst in flight due to their similar flying styles. 

However, Sparrowhawks look almost clumsy compared to a kestrel whilst hovering.

Sparrowhawks are what is known as a ‘true’ hawk and so their wings are not as pointed and long as that of a kestrel.

Owls are known for their almost silent flight and so you’d be lucky to spot one, seeing as most of our native owl species are nocturnal. However, if you do…

Tawny Owl (Strix Aluco) 

You’re much more likely to hear a tawny owl than be lucky enough to see one due to their distinctive call. In flight, tawny owls give quick wing beats and can be very fast if the need calls. 

They do well in the wild as a result of their colouring and ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings as well as their sometimes aggressive and territorial nature.

Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)

Barn owls make a haunting hissing sound, and so, have coined the nickname ‘Screech Owl’. 

Barn Owls have a much more graceful style of flight compared to that of a tawny owl, with long and slow wings beats. 

The tiny serrations and layering of their feathers are what allows them to fly silently.

Birds of Prey Experiences at The Hawking Centre 

If you’ve enjoyed learning about birds of prey, why not visit us at the Hawking Centre for a memorable falconry experience? 

We have a range of falconry experiences to choose from including our 1 Hour, Half Day and Full Day experiences. Book your visit now or get in touch with us if you have any queries!

Where did falconry originate?

The official definition of falconry is “The hunting of wild animals in their natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey.” The origin of falconry is frequently argued, however, evidence suggests that falconry originated in ancient Mesopotamia around 2,000 BC before being introduced to Europe in around 400 AD. 

Throughout history, falconry and the species used were an indication of status with birds such as gyrfalcons and merlins being used in many a monarchy, with Henry VIII being an avid falconer himself and using a Gyrfalcon.

Later on, birds such as kestrels and buzzards were used by the more lowly of status. People caught with birds of prey outside their social standing could be severely punished by even having their hands cut off. 

Falconry and the use of Birds of Prey were mainly for hunting and to feed one’s family. Falconry began its staggering decline due to the advent of the gun, where it was then easier, cheaper, and less time consuming to kill your prey compared to the training and keeping of a bird of prey. 

The ‘sport’ of falconry picked up once again in the late 19th, early 20th century as a result of the release of a number of falconry books. From there, falconry became a pastime, passion and hobby for many people. 

Falconry in the 21st century 

It would be foolish to believe that falconry has no use in the 21st century. Falconry and Hawking are still widely used across the globe as a means of food and sustenance, and has also become symbolic to many nations. 

It is a common question to many falconers as to why the gauntlet used is left handed. This began as a result of ancient warriors riding into battle. The right hand, being widely accepted as the dominant, was then free for the warrior to hold their reins and draw their swords to prepare for battle.

Learn more about falconry at The Hawking Centre

If you’re interested in learning more about falconry, a visit to The Hawking Centre is a great place to start. Our falconers are experts in all aspects of falconry and birds of prey and can share their knowledge with you during our falconry experiences. 

Find out more about the amazing falconry experiences we have to offer and get in touch with us if you have any queries!

Jesses: 

The leather straps used to hold the Bird of Prey whilst on the fist. These can be found with small slits at the end to attach a swivel or without, for when they’re flying free.  

Coping:  

The act of filing back a birds beak. 

Manning:  

Spending time with a bird of prey so they get used to your presence and company, therefore gaining confidence and trust.  

Rouse: 

When a bird of prey lifts all of the feathers on its body and shakes. They do this for a number of reasons such as to trap heat, realign their feathers and to shake off any debris and downy feathers. 

Stoop:  

When a Bird of prey folds its wings into its body. This makes them more aerodynamic and can move through the air much faster to catch their prey.  

Imprint:  

When a bird of prey is raised by someone other than their mother. The human will act as their mother and so the bird will call to humans for food.  

Tiercel:  

A male falcon.  

Soar: 

When a bird of prey ‘catches’ a thermal and rests in it high in the sky where they are then able to rest in-between wing beats.  

Diurnal:  

Hunts during the day time.  

Nocturnal:  

Hunts during the night time. 

Crepuscular:  

Hunts during dusk and/or dawn.  

Quarry:

Specifically, game hunted by Hawks. Also, one that is sought or pursued. 

Flush:  

The use of dogs to cause the quarry to flee from its cover. 

Pass:  

Where a bird of prey stoops for a lure and passes it without catching it. Also used to refer to the mating process where the male presents and passes food to the female in an attempt to mate.

Swivel:  

A metal object used to secure a bird’s jesses that turns and spins in order to prevent tangling. 

Casting:  

The act of catching and securing a bird of prey in your grasp that minimises damage and unnecessary anxiety to the bird. Also used to refer to the pellet cast by a bird of prey. 

Pellet: 

A small ball ‘thrown up’ by birds of prey containing the indigestible parts of their prey such as bones, feathers, fur etc. 

Lure:  

A small, usually horseshoe-shaped, object at the end of thin rope used by the falconer to replicate a bird in flight for falcons to catch. Sometimes decorated by the falconer in the feathers of the prey they would like their Bird to catch such as crow, pigeon or magpie. 

There is also a rabbit lure that serves a similar purpose that is used with some birds of prey that catch rabbits, such as Hawks. 

If you’re interested in learning more about falconry, then book a falconry experience with us at The Hawking Centre. We have a wide range of experiences to suit everyone including Half Day, Full Day and our Falconer for a Day experience. To find out more, feel free to contact us! 

1. Eagles  

The largest species of eagle is the Steller’s Sea Eagle.  

Latin Name: Haliaeetus Pelagicus 

Weighing in at around 11 – 20lbs, depending on sex, they can also have a wingspan of 7 – 8ft! Preferring to breed around Russia they nest on Rocky outcroppings or the tops of tall trees.  Feeding on a diet of mainly fish (hence the name) they prefer the likes of Salmon or Trout. 

2. Owls 

European Eagle Owl or Eurasian Eagle Owl 

Latin Name: Bubo Bubo 

With a wingspan of up to 6ft 2in they can also weigh upwards of 6lbs. The Eurasian eagle-owl is  found in many habitats but is mostly a bird of mountainous regions or other rocky areas. 

They are often found near varied woodland edge and shrubby areas both with openings and/or wetlands in order to hunt a majority of their prey. Such as Rabbits and rodents and occasionally other birds.

3. Falcons 

Gyrfalcon 

Latin Name: Falco Rusticolus 

It breeds on Arctic coasts and tundra, and the islands of northern North America and the Eurosiberian region. Typical prey includes the ptarmigan and waterfowl, which it may take in-flight; it also takes fish and mammals. 

Males are 19 to 24 inches long, weigh 1 pound 12 oz to 2 pounds 15 1⁄2 oz, with average weights reported as 2 lb 8 oz or 2 lb 9 1⁄2 oz and have a wingspan from 43 to 51 in. Females are bulkier and larger, at 20 to 25 1⁄2 in long, 49 to 63 in wingspan, and of 2 lb 9 1⁄2 oz to 4 lb 10 oz weight, with average weights of  3 lb 8 oz or 3 lb 13 3⁄4 oz. 

4. Hawks 

Ferruginous Hawk 

Latin Name: Buteo Regalis 

This species is a large, broad-winged hawk of the open grasslands and is endemic to the interior parts of North America. Length in this species ranges from 20 to 27 in with an average of 23 in,  wingspan from 48 to 60 in, with an average of about 55 in, and weight from 32.0 to 80.0 oz (5lbs).

5. Vultures  

The Andean Condor 

Latin Name: Vultur gryphus 

It has a maximum wingspan of 10ft 10in and can weigh 7.7 – 15 kg. The Andean condor is found in  South America in the Andes including the Santa Marta Mountains. The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion. It prefers large carcasses, such as those of deer or cattle. 

If you’ve enjoyed hearing about these Birds of Prey, then visit us at The Hawking Centre to meet some of these birds in person.

Find out more about our amazing range of falconry experiences or get in touch if you have any questions. 

As experts in falconry, we have put together ten falconry facts you may not know. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Male Falcons are called Tiercels. The females are referred to simply as falcons.

2. An Owl’s eyes are cylindrical, like binoculars, and they cannot move them up or down. This is why they have such an extensive range of movement in their neck. 

3. Blackiston’s Fish Owl is the largest Owl in the world. Followed a close second by the European (Eurasian) Eagle Owl. 

4. A bird’s beak never stops growing and will have to be filed back, this is called coping. In the wild many birds cope their beaks naturally as they break into bones and work to get the meat off of bones. Other wild birds grow unnaturally long beaks which hinder their ability to survive.

5. Harris Hawks hunt in packs and are sometimes referred to as the “wolves of the sky”. As a result of their ability to work with others and the overall intelligence of the species, this makes them a great bird of prey to work within falconry. 

6. An Owls eye colour tells you what time of day the Owl likes to hunt. This can vary from dark brown or black for nocturnal. Yellow for diurnal and orange for crepuscular, meaning they hunt during dusk and dawn.

7. Records have indicated that raptors were being used by humans to hunt back in ancient China. Records also refer to falcons being given as royal gifts in the Heian dynasty in China, dating all the way back to 2205 BC.

8. A Bald Eagle has around 7,200 feathers covering its body. And, on average, the male of the species can weigh up to 25% less than its female counterpart.

9. You can also find examples of melanism and albinism in Birds of Prey. There are also leucistic birds of prey.

10. In medieval times the bird of prey you kept indicated your status in society. The main varieties used before 1307 were the gyrfalcon, peregrine, lanner, goshawk, and sparrow-hawk; the saker, hobby, and merlin were used far less frequently for sport. 

We hope you enjoyed these falconry facts and learned something new! 

If you’re keen to learn more about falconry, then one of our falconry experiences is a great option. We offer experiences to suit everyone where you get to learn more about the birds and even fly them!

Have a look at our falconry experiences to learn more or get in touch if you have any questions. 

However, there are some key things to look out for that will help to tell them apart. Keep reading to find out more!

Taxonomy

Falcons typically fall into the same genus, falco, whilst hawks fall into a number of genus. For example Falco Tinnunculus (Kestrel), Falco Peregrinus (peregrine falcon), Accipiter gentilis (Goshawk), Parabeuteo Unicinctus (Harris Hawk). 

Hunting habits

Secondly, falcons have a notch on their beak known as a tooth whilst hawks have a simple curve of the beak. 

With this, falcons use their beak to kill their prey by using the ‘tooth’ to sever the neck of their prey. Whereas, hawks use the talons of their feet to kill their prey. 

Typically, falcons hunt other birds and even bats, whereas, Hawks hunt rabbits, rats and small mammals such as voles and mice. When a falcon catches its prey in flight, this is referred to as “on the wing”. 

Speed of flight

Falcons are very fast in flight especially the peregrine falcon whereas hawks are much slower in flight and would basically just glide on a descent. 

A peregrine falcon, for instance, can reach speeds of 200 mph whereas the red-tailed hawk dives at a speed of at least 120 miles per hour. 

Size

Falcons are smaller birds than hawks which are generally large but with shorter wings compared to falcons. Hence why it is common to hear of a falcon referred to as a ‘long wing’. 

As with other birds of prey, falcons and hawks also show sexual dimorphism. This is when two sexes of the same species exhibit other characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs. 

For example, a male Harris Hawk can weigh around 1lb 2oz to 1lb 8oz whereas the female of the species can weigh between 1lb 12oz to 2lb 6oz. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent in Birds of Prey and typically, the female of the species is always around ⅓ larger than their male counterpart. 

At The Hawking Centre, we have a stunning range of Birds of Prey including Hawks and Falcons. If you’re like to meet them and experience flying them for yourself, book one of our incredible falconry experiences.