Falconry is the art of training birds of prey to hunt for food. The person who trains the birds is called a falconer.

A hunting bird must be tamed and taught to return to the falconer's fist. Special tools and equipment are used in training. Small bells or radio transmitters are placed on the bird to help locate it when lost. Leg straps called jesses restrict the bird’s movement when it is on the falconer’s hand.

The ancient Chinese and the ancient Persians began the sport of falconry more than 3,000 years ago, but falconry became very popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and in Shakespeare’s time. Falconry helped provide fresh meat for the table.

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Text: Zachary Friedman