This article will present the common uses of owls in falconry today. There are about two hundred species of owls today that can be found in most parts of the world. One of the best known species, the barn owl, is also one of the most widespread and in most areas kills more rodents than any other predator.
Falconry and falconry were very common activities in most of the world until recently, being used both for sport and for obtaining food. In Europe, the goshawk was known as the “cooks’ hawk” because it could catch many things for the table, including rabbits, hares, pheasants, partridges, pigeons, grouse, etc. Gyrfalcons were prized as the most appropriate bird for an emperor, a peregrine for a king, a merlin (because of its small size) for a lady. Eagles were used to hunt wolves in Siberia, saker falcons to hunt gazelles in the deserts of Arabia. The Saker would catch the gazelle and slow it down enough for a saluki (a breed of desert dog) to kill it. Falconry was a very popular sport among the nobility and a vital activity for the common people.
Currently, the most common use of owls in falconry is in public falconry displays. Owls are always very popular birds with their smooth and beautiful flight and adorable nature. Barn owls are also common in most areas and are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal candidates for falconry shows. They are also one of the most suitable birds of prey to give audience members the experience of holding a bird of prey in their fist. The beautiful slow flight of an owl gives the audience far more opportunity to see a bird of prey up close as it flies than the rapid flight of a hawk that may only be in view for a few seconds as it zooms by.