The falconry legacy

Falconry: A Deeply Rooted Identity and Culture

Falconry's history spans thousands of years, representing an ancient hobby and authentic craft deeply embedded in Arabian Peninsula civilizations. This rich cultural heritage reflects the harmony between humans and nature, showcasing skills in handling wildlife. People have trained various falcon species for hunting - sometimes for sustenance, other times for the noble pursuit that demands great skill and patience. Falconry symbolizes chivalry and courage, once practiced by kings and princes to demonstrate power and prowess. King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, founder of Saudi Arabia, was a notable falcon enthusiast. Known as the "Falcon of the Peninsula," he used falconry to unite tribes and promote chivalry. Falconry's global significance is recognized by UNESCO, which listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This listing came through a proposal by several member states: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Belgium, Czech, France, South Korea, Morocco, Spain, Syria, and Mongolia. Emphasizing its importance, the falcon, a symbol deeply ingrained in Saudi heritage, was incorporated into the Founding Day emblem, which comprises five core elements: the Saudi flag, the palm tree, the falcon, the Arabian horse, and the marketplace. During the First Saudi State, falcons were gifted to tribal chiefs and symbolized reconciliation during disputes.

Falcon Species in the Kingdom

In Saudi Arabia, falcons hold a prestigious position, symbolizing strength, courage, and pride. They frequently appear in poetry, proverbs, and stories, testament to their unique qualities and esteemed status. The Arabian Peninsula, particularly Saudi Arabia, is home to various falcon species:

Saker Falcon

The saker falcon, one of the most valuable falcon species, is renowned for its exceptional hunting abilities. It can reach speeds up to 200 mph when chasing prey. The bird's sharp, curved talons are perfect for gripping prey, while its hooked beak efficiently tears meat. Its long wings and relatively short tail enable high-speed, high-altitude flight, adapting it perfectly for swift pursuits. Females are typically larger and stronger than males. The falcon's plumage consists of dense, short feathers ranging from dark brown to gray, black, and white, with distinctive black lines adorning its head and back. Historical records indicate that Arab civilizations were the first to identify and utilize the saker falcon's potential for hunting. They developed sophisticated methods for capturing and training these birds. The saker falcon's natural migration route brought it from Central Europe, across Asia, to the Arabian Peninsula during the winter season.

Peregrine Falcon

Known as the "jewel of the sky" for its beauty, strength, and agility, the peregrine falcon is one of the fastest falcons, diving at speeds over 320 km/h. It has exceptional eyesight, eight times stronger than human vision. Females are typically 15-20% larger and 40-50% heavier than males.

Lanner Falcon

The Lanner Falcon, despite its smaller size and lighter weight compared to the saker falcon, is remarkably strong and known for its striking appearance. This resilient bird of prey can endure hunger and thirst for days, demonstrating its adaptability to harsh conditions. A unique characteristic of Lanner Falcons is their cooperative hunting behavior, with males and females working together to catch prey. However, this species has become rare in the Arabian Peninsula.

Gyrfalcon Falcon

The Gyrfalcon, also known as "Sanqar," holds the distinction of being the largest member of the falcon family. This impressive bird is characterized by its distinctive coloration, which ranges from white to gray with black chest markings. Interestingly, the Gyrfalcon's color varies based on its geographical habitat. Native to cold and polar regions in the Northern Hemisphere, these birds adapt to seasonal changes by migrating south to northern Canada during the winter months.