For over 4000 years, falconry has been a traditional practice, and it has been documented in many different parts of the world. The practise of falconry in the early and medieval periods of history can be found in many different places.
In medieval Europe, the Middle East and the Mongolian Empire, falconry was a popular sport and status symbol, particularly among noble families. A peak in falconry might have been reached in the 17th century in the UK and parts of Europe, but it dwindled over time. Guns became popular for hunting in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, falconry involves people of all ages in many countries and focuses on protecting falcons, quarry, and habitats, as well as the practice itself. Several entities support falconry, including falcon hospitals and breeding facilities, conservation agencies, and traditional equipment manufacturers.
Falconers have different backgrounds and practices, but they share universal values, traditions, and practices like the methods of breeding, training, caring for birds, equipment used, and the bond they have with birds.
In traditional falconry, the northern goshawk and peregrine falcons are the most commonly used birds. Despite their popularity, Harris' hawks and red-tail hawks are more commonly encountered today in North America and the UK. Northern goshawk and golden eagles are more popular in Eastern Europe than elsewhere. Saker falcons are the most traditional species flown against the houbara bustard, sandgrouse, stone-curlew, and other birds in the Middle East.
In medieval times, falconers rode horses, but this is rare except in Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, golden eagles fly (often on horses), while hunting animals such as foxes and wolves. Modern veterinary practices and radio telemetry attach transmitters to free-flying birds. These have allowed falconers to pursue styles of flight that previously led to the loss of their hawk or falcon.
Originally a means of obtaining food, falconry has acquired other values over time and has become a way of interacting with nature and connecting with communities. Throughout many countries, it is regarded as an important cultural symbol and has been passed from generation to generation through mentoring, within the family unit or through training clubs.