A Brief Summary of the History of Falconry

Falconry is defined as ‘the keeping and training of falcons or other birds of prey; the sport of hunting with such birds’. Falconry has a long history dating back to at least 1700BC where it’s believed to have originated in Central Asia. Originally Falconry was simply used as a way of putting food on the table but as it spread across the Middle East, East Asia and Europe it became popular with those within the aristocracy.

Within Europe, Falconry and the species flown became an indication of the persons status; one example of this is Henry VIII who was an avid falconer himself using a Gyrfalcon. The following is a list from ‘The Boke of St. Albans’ published 1486; showing which bird could be flown by each rank.

Emperor – Eagle or Vulture
King- Gyrfalcon
Prince – Peregrine Falcon
Duke – Falcon of the Rock (another name for Peregrine)
Knight – Saker or Sakeret
Squire – Lanner or Lanneret
Lady – Merlin
Youngman – Hobby
Yeoman – Goshawk
Priest – Sparrowhawk
Holy water Clerk – Musket (Male Sparrowhawk)
Knave/ Servant – Kestrel

The "Book of Saint Albans," is one of the earliest texts dedicated to falconry. It detailed the types of birds, methods of training, and ethical considerations of hunting. This era also saw the rise of various hunting festivals and competitions.

Falconry Across the World

In ancient Egypt, falcons were revered, often associated with the sun god Horus. The Egyptians trained birds such as the peregrine falcon and the hooded falcon for hunting, and their depictions in art emphasise the status of falconers in society.  

Falconry is also an icon of Arabian culture. The saker falcon used by Arabs for falconry is called by Arabs "Hur" which means ‘free bird’ and it has been used in falconry in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. Saker falcons are the national bird of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Yemen and have been integral to Arab heritage and culture for over 9,000 years.

Mongolian eagle hunting, or "berkutchi," is a traditional practice that dates back centuries in Mongolia, particularly among the nomadic Kazakh people in the Altai Mountains. This ancient form of hunting involves training golden eagles to capture prey, such as foxes and rabbits.

Modern Day Falconry

The invention of firearms in the 16th century led to a significant decline in the popularity of falconry as a primary means of hunting. As game became easier to kill with guns, the intricate skills of falconry began to fade into the background. However, the art never completely disappeared. It was preserved in certain cultures and eventually saw a revival in the 19th century.

This resurgence was fuelled by a growing interest in traditional practices and conservation. The establishment of falconry clubs and associations helped to revive techniques and promote ethical hunting practices. Today, falconry is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating its significance in various cultures around the world.

Falconry practices have evolved into the modern-day avian training techniques which we now use here at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. The focus has moved onto the ethics of training birds; giving the animals choice and control and training with positive reinforcement techniques.