Can You Have A Falcon As A Pet In The US? Answered

The majestic world of birds presents us with many wonders, and among them, falcons stand out with their unparalleled speed and precision. But the question that often arises among bird enthusiasts and potential pet owners is, Can You Have A Falcon As A Pet In The US? Delving into this topic reveals a myriad of considerations, from legalities to the intricate care these raptors demand.

Can You Have A Falcon As A Pet In The US?

Falconry, the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey, has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. But in the United States, The answer is both yes and no. While falcons can be kept, it’s not in the traditional sense of a pet like a cat or dog. Instead, falcons are trained and cared for under strict regulations and guidelines, primarily for hunting and sport.

Falconry is a unique and intricate sport that involves a deep understanding of raptors and their behaviors. It’s not just about owning a bird; it’s about forming a bond and working together in the wild.

The sport has a rich history, tracing back to ancient civilizations where falcons were symbols of nobility and power. Today, falconry is both a hobby and a profession for many, requiring dedication, patience, and a love for these magnificent birds.

Legality and Licensing

In the US, owning a falcon is regulated by both federal and state laws. It’s not illegal, but one cannot simply buy a falcon and keep it as a pet. To own and train a falcon, one must become a licensed falconer, which involves a rigorous process.

Becoming a falconer is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires commitment, time, and resources. The journey begins with joining relevant state or national organizations that oversee falconry. These organizations provide resources, training, and mentorship for aspiring falconers.

After joining, the next step is to find a mentor, an experienced falconer who can guide you through the process. This is followed by studying the birds, and understanding their behaviors, habits, and needs.

Many also choose to attend a falconry school, where they receive hands-on training and experience. Finally, after meeting all the requirements, one can apply for the necessary licenses and permits to legally own and train a falcon.

Types of Falcons

Falcons belong to the family Falconidae and are known for their exceptional flying abilities. They have thin, tapered wings and are distinguished by their unique beak that has a ‘tomial tooth’ used to kill their prey.

The Falconidae family comprises 60 different species of predatory birds, including falcons, falconets, and caracaras. However, the term “falcon” specifically refers to 35 ‘true’ falcon species. Some of the commonly found falcon species include:

• Seychelles Kestrel: A small falcon species native to the Seychelles islands.
• Gyr Falcon: Known for its powerful build and is the largest of all falcon species.
• Peregrine Falcon: Recognized for its incredible diving speed, it’s one of the most widespread birds of prey.
• Saker Falcons: A large hierofalcon species found in parts of Europe and Asia.
• Kestrels: A group that includes species like the Malagasy kestrel, Mauritius kestrel, and the American kestrel.
• Hobbies: This group includes the African hobby, Eurasian hobby, and the Australian hobby.
• Hierofalcons: This group includes species like the Laggar falcon, Lanner falcon, and the Saker falcon.

Falcons vary in size, with the smallest being the Seychelles kestrel at about 9.8 inches in length, and the largest being the gyrfalcon at about 25.5 inches. Their weight ranges between 1.5 lbs and 2.6 lbs.

Falcons are found on every continent except for the high Arctic and Antarctica. They inhabit a variety of habitats, from deserts and grasslands to forests and coastal areas.

Did you know? The peregrine falcon holds the record for the fastest dive, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mi/h).

Becoming a Falconer

Joining state or national organizations:

To embark on the journey of falconry, one must first join relevant state or national organizations. These bodies provide resources, training, and mentorship for aspiring falconers.

Finding a mentor:

A mentor, an experienced falconer, plays a crucial role in guiding and training a novice. They share their expertise, insights, and practical knowledge about the art of falconry.

Studying the birds

Before one can train a falcon, one must understand the bird’s behaviors, habits, and needs. This involves both theoretical knowledge and observational skills.

Attending a falconry school:

For hands-on training and experience, many aspirants choose to attend a falconry school. Here, they learn the practical aspects of handling, training, and caring for falcons.

Buying your falcon:

Once licensed, an individual can purchase a falcon from a reputable breeder or organization. It’s essential to ensure the bird’s health and lineage.

Hunting with pet raptors:

Falconry is not just about keeping a bird; it’s about hunting in partnership with it. Training a falcon to hunt requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the bird’s instincts.

Fun Fact:

A person who uses a trained raptor for hunting is called a falconer. When falcons are in a group, they are referred to as a ‘cast’.

Costs and Expenses

Owning a falcon is not just about the initial purchase price; there are several ongoing costs associated with their care, maintenance, and training. Here’s a breakdown:

The cost of a falcon can vary significantly based on the species and its training level. Typically, falcons range between $200 and $2,000. However, for select species and highly trained birds, the price can soar as high as $10,000 or more.

Recurring Expenses

1. Food: The primary cost associated with keeping a falcon is its diet. Falcons eat a specific diet that can include chickens, quails, or even small turkeys. On average, a falcon consumes about 6-7 pounds of food per week, translating to an annual cost of $200-$300.
2. Shelter & Housing: Falcons require a suitable environment to thrive. They cannot be kept in small bird cages and need spacious aviaries. Depending on whether you build it yourself or buy a pre-made one, an aviary can cost anywhere from $40 to $1,000.
3. Equipment: Essential falconry equipment includes perches, jesses, leashes, swivels, outdoor perches, scales, and bath pans. The total cost for these items can range from $500 to $1,000.
4. Health & Supplements: To ensure the falcon’s well-being, regular health check-ups and supplements are necessary. On average, supplements can cost around $3 per day.
5. Veterinarian: Like all pets, falcons may require medical attention from time to time. Regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian can cost about $100 every four months.

Falconer Certification Costs

To legally own and train a falcon, one must obtain a falconry license. The certification process involves gaining field experience, obtaining endorsements from experienced raptor handlers, and passing a written test. The total cost for falconer certification is approximately $800.

Falcon Care and Maintenance

Caring for a falcon goes beyond just feeding and housing. It involves understanding the bird’s behavior, ensuring its well-being, and providing an environment conducive to its natural instincts. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Falcon’s Habitat

Falcons are wild birds, and their habitat should mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. This includes open spaces for them to fly and hunt, as well as safe perches and shelters.

Falcon’s Diet

A falcon’s diet primarily consists of smaller birds and mammals. It’s crucial to provide them with fresh, quality food that meets their nutritional needs. This can include quails, pigeons, and other small birds.

Falcon’s Housing

While falcons need to fly freely, they also require a secure place to rest and sleep. This can be an aviary or a mews (a special falconry house). It should be spacious, well-ventilated, and safe from predators.

Human and Falcon Interaction

Building trust with a falcon takes time. Regular interaction, training sessions, and positive reinforcement can help strengthen the bond between the falconer and the bird.

Falcon Behavior

Understanding a falcon’s behavior is essential for its care. This includes recognizing signs of stress, illness, or discomfort and knowing how to address them.

Falcon Reproduction

If one plans to breed falcons, understanding their mating habits, nesting requirements, and the care of chicks is vital.

Training a Falcon

Training is an integral part of falconry. It involves teaching the bird to come on command, hunt, and return to the falconer. There are various methods, including using lures, drones, and GPS systems.

Regular health check-ups with an avian veterinarian are crucial. Additionally, providing supplements can ensure the falcon gets all the necessary nutrients.

Equipment and Tools

From gloves and hoods to perches and telemetry equipment, having the right tools is essential for falconry.

Owning and training a falcon requires adherence to specific legal guidelines. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and understanding the regulations related to hunting and conservation.

Falcon Habitat and Behavior

Falcons are found on every continent except the high Arctic and Antarctica. They inhabit a diverse range of environments, from deserts and grasslands to forests and coastal areas. Some species, like the peregrine falcon, are known to migrate long distances, covering thousands of kilometers.

In terms of behavior, falcons are dominant predators. Their diet mainly consists of smaller birds and mammals, but they can also consume lizards, frogs, insects, small snakes, and fish. Some falcon species are known to store food in crevices for later consumption.

While many falcons are solitary hunters, they may form large flocks during migration. They use various calls to communicate, mark their territory, and during food or territorial disputes.

Falcon Reproduction

Falcons have unique reproductive habits. Unlike many hawks, they don’t build nests. Instead, they might use tree cavities, cliffs, or even tall urban structures for nesting. Most falcon species are monogamous and breed as solitary pairs.

They are territorial breeders and defend their nesting sites. The breeding pair might participate in various displays, both perched and in flight, accompanied by vocalizations.

Females typically lay 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for 28-35 days. The fledglings become capable of flight after 4-8 weeks.

Conclusion

Falcons, belonging to the Falconidae family, are renowned for their exceptional flying abilities and unique features like the ‘tomial tooth’ in their beaks. They vary in size, with the Seychelles kestrel being the smallest and the gyrfalcon the largest.

These birds have a diverse range of habitats, from deserts to coastal areas, and some species, like the peregrine falcon, undertake long migrations.

Their diet is predominantly smaller birds and mammals, but they can also consume a variety of other animals. Falcons have distinct reproductive habits, often using natural structures for nesting instead of building their own.

Their communication involves various calls, and they exhibit both solitary and group behaviors. Overall, falcons are majestic creatures with intricate behaviors and characteristics that set them apart in the avian world.

Frequently Asked Questions