A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Falconry Bird

By The Harris Hawk: A Beginner's Best Choice
Comments 35
16 Sep 2026

A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Falconry Bird

Assessing Your Commitment

Keeping a bird of prey is not like keeping a parrot. It is a lifestyle choice that demands daily attention, 365 days a year. Before you buy a bird, be honest about your available time. A raptor needs to be flown, or exercised, every day. If you work long hours or travel often, a bird of prey is not for you. The bird will suffer.

The financial commitment is significant. A captive-bred Harris hawk might cost between £150 and £400, but that is just the beginning. You will need a suitable aviary or weathering area, costing several hundred pounds. Equipment: jesses, swivel, leash, glove, perch, and a bath. Food, like day-old chicks or quail, costs money each week. Vet care is specialised and costly. Budget £1,000 in the first year, and hundreds annually after. You cannot leave a bird for a fortnight's holiday. You need a plan.

The Legal Landscape in the UK

UK law is strict. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to take any wild bird, including raptors, from the wild. Only keep captive-bred birds, and ask for proof of breeding. Certain species, such as peregrine falcons, merlins, and goshawks, are listed on Schedule 4 of the Act. If you keep one, you must register it and ensure it is ringed correctly. A Harris hawk is not on Schedule 4, which is why it suits beginners.

In Scotland, additional licensing applies to certain birds, so check the current rules. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on you. This includes providing a suitable diet, housing, and the ability to exhibit normal behaviour. Ignorance is no defence.

Choosing the Right Species

The Harris hawk is the undisputed favourite for beginners. It is sociable, intelligent, and relatively forgiving of mistakes. It flies in varied settings, from fields to woodland, and hunts cooperatively. A parent-reared bird is better than an imprint, which can become confused and demanding.

Other options include the red-tailed hawk, which is larger and more powerful but also more challenging. It requires more space and careful weight management. The kestrel, despite its small size, is not a good first bird. It is highly strung, needs precise feeding, and is prone to stress. Owls are a poor choice: they are not true falconry birds and are easily imprinted. Avoid them.

Whatever species, ensure it is captive-bred, healthy, and legal. Ask to see the parents. A reputable breeder will answer your questions.

Housing and Equipment

Your bird's housing must be secure, dry, and safe from predators. A minimum aviary for a Harris hawk is 3m x 2m x 2m, with a weathering area for sun and rain. The mesh must be strong enough to keep out foxes and cats. Inside, provide a bow perch or block perch, and a bathing tray. The floor should be easy to clean.

Essential equipment includes a sturdy leather glove, jesses, a swivel, a leash, and a perch. You also need a freezer for food and accurate scales. Weight management is the cornerstone of training, so scales are vital. A telemetry transmitter is optional but wise for open countryside.

Training and Mentorship

No book or video can replace hands-on experience. Falconry is a practical skill, and the best way to learn is from a mentor. Join a reputable falconry club and attend their meets. Most clubs welcome beginners. A mentor can show you how to tie jesses, weigh your bird, train it to the fist, and hunt. They help you avoid mistakes that ruin training.

Consider taking a falconry course before you buy a bird. These courses usually last a day or a weekend and cover the basics of housing, feeding, and training. They are a small investment that can save you a lot of heartache. Also, spend time with other falconers and their birds. Ask questions. Listen. The more you learn before you commit, the better your first bird's life will be.

Making the Decision

If you still feel ready, you are on the right track. But take your time. Visit clubs, meet birds, and talk to experienced falconers. Start with a Harris hawk, or perhaps a red-tailed hawk if you have plenty of space and time. Get your housing and equipment ready before you bring the bird home. And be prepared to change your routine completely. A bird of prey is not a pet; it is a partner. Treat it with respect, and it will reward you with breathtaking experiences.

Falconry

Understanding the Red-Tailed Hawk in Britain

Falconry in Britain is governed by strict rules. Learn about Article ten certificates, ring schemes, and the legal responsibilities of keeping birds of prey.

Previous Post At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium.

Next Post Dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentiu deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores

5 Comments

Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply
- John Abraham says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
  
  I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
  Reply
  - Robert Sonnysays Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
    
    I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
    Reply
Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply

Jenny Watson

Hi! beautiful people. I`m an authtor of this blog. Read our post - stay with us

Instagram

How We Can
Help You!

From gauntlets and hoods to swivels and jesses, having the right kit is vital. Discover the essential items every falconer needs.

section heading hidden

Our Latest News

Understanding Falconry Legislation and Licensing in the UK

Essential Equipment for the New Falconer

How to Build a Suitable Mews for Your Hawk

Contact Us

Article