Birds of Falconry

There are many different types of birds used in Falconry. The three main categories of Raptors are Hawks, Falcons, and Eagles.

In the United States, Falconry is heavily regulated and requires the Falconer to go through a Sponsorship program. In the regulations three classes determine what types of birds may be kept as well as how many may be kept at any one time. The three classes are: Apprentice (2 years), General (5 years), and Master.

I will do my best to describe and show pictures for birds that I have seen flown and used in Falconry. Hawks generally refer to both Buteos and true hawks (Accipiters).

The main birds used in Falconry are: