An old partnership
Falconry is the traditional practice of training and flying falcons, and sometimes eagles, hawks, buzzards and other birds of prey. It has been practised for more than 4,000 years.
It began as a way of getting food. Over time it took on social and recreational value, and became a way of staying close to nature.
What falconers do
Falconers breed, train and care for their birds, and use specialised equipment. The modern practice also works to protect falcons, their prey and their habitats, supported by falcon hospitals, breeding centres, conservation bodies and makers of traditional equipment.
The skill passes from generation to generation through mentors, within families and in training clubs, and people of all ages practise it. UNESCO listed falconry in 2021 as heritage shared by 24 countries, Saudi Arabia among them.