A Good First Bird for a Falconer

Starting out in the sport of falconry is not a simple process. It requires professional training, written exams and legal permits. In most of the U.S. these permits are available at a state level, with the beginner permit being called an apprentice permit. In most states these permits restrict a beginner to just two bird species: the red-tailed hawk and the American Kestrel. These two birds are the most suitable for new falconers.

  1. Size

    • The red-tailed hawk is by far the larger of the two starter birds. It grows to 22 inches in height, with a 56-inch wingspan, and weighs up to 3 pounds. American kestrels are 10 inches shorter, with a wingspan more than half the size, and reach around 6 ounces. The American kestrel is therefore less imposing as a falconer's first bird. Less confident apprentices might prefer the smaller bird, while those who are more adventurous can try the larger hawk.

    Quarry

    • The red-tailed hawk, being larger, offers a wider range of hunting options. It can be used for small rodents, rabbits, jackrabbits, ducks and occasionally pheasants. The larger the bird, the more successful it is with bigger prey. American kestrels are more limited with what they can hunt. Usually small rodents such as mice and rats, as well as sparrows and starlings are the extent of a kestrel's prey size range. Red-tailed hawks are therefore ideal for larger prey hunting, but if small prey is the target, the kestrel is better suited.

    Weight Control

    • Weight control is important in falconry, as a balance needs to be struck between how much the birds are fed and the exercise they are given. Over- or under-feeding the birds can be seriously detrimental to their health. Being larger, the red-tailed hawk is a little more hardy and is more tolerant to inaccuracy in feeding level. American kestrels leave less room for error, with slight levels of under-feeding creating the real possibility of the bird starving to death. The red-tailed hawk is therefore easier to care for in this respect.

    Ease of Training

    • The two birds are different in the ease of general training. Falcons are never fully domesticated, but some species are easier to control and are less aggressive. The red-tailed hawk is easier to train and is the calmer of the two starter birds. This makes it better for more nervous beginners. The American kestrel is harder to train and requires more attention. Confident beginners who relish the challenge will likely prefer the kestrel.