Birds Used In Falconry

Falconry is a thrilling, age-old sport involving training birds of prey for hunting. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is known as the sport of kings from its popularity among nobles in Medieval Europe. It is a rare sport, mainly due to the time and financial investment, though it is practiced all over the world.

While falcons are obviously first thought of, there are many species of birds used in falconry, including hawks, owls, and eagles. In fact, the sport is also called ‘hawking’ as it is common to call your bird a ‘hawk’ regardless of species. Birds of prey are chosen by their falconers for a number of features, including size, intelligence, temperament, and train-ability. We will go over some of the most common birds used in falconry, so you can know what to expect from a beginner falconry experience.

Photo by Andre Klimke on Unsplash

What Birds Are Used In Falconry

Falcons

As the name suggests, falcons are the most popular raptors in the sport. Falcons are longwing birds, and their extended wingspans allow them to soar over open terrain and hunt other birds in mid-air. The most common is the Peregrine Falcon, as they are comparatively easy to train and are the fastest animal in the world, with a diving speed of up to 240 mph. 

Gyrfalcons are the largest falcons, reaching up to two feet long. They can have wingspans up to four feet and are often hunt geese, ducks, and pheasants. Gyrfalcons hunt by following other birds until they tire out, whereas Prairie Falcons hunt with a waiting-on style. This means they circle above the prairie until the falconer (or their hunting dog) flushes prey from its hiding spot.

In addition to one Peregrine Falcon, Broadmoor also houses a Saker Falcon and a Lanner Falcon. The Saker Falcon is the second largest falcon species in the world and is hypothesized to be the first ever used for the sport of falconry. It is versatile and can be used in direct pursuit flights or with a waiting-on style. Lanner Falcons tend to be less aggressive than other raptors of their medium-large size. As such, they are great for beginner falconers and demonstrations, like the Broadmoor’s beginner falconry experience. 

Merlins are one of the smallest falcons, and, similar to gyrfalcons, can follow prey for miles on end. Their falconers use radio transmitters to keep tabs on the bird’s location. The American Kestrel is a popular falconry choice because they are easy to purchase and easy to train. As the smallest of all falcons, Kestrels weigh the same as 34 pennies! They hunt small birds and specialize in short-distance flights.

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

Hawks 

Shortwings, such as hawks, train to hunt in forested areas. They usually wait in tree branches or on their falconer’s glove for ground prey to reveal themselves. Goshawks have a long history in falconry, having been popular in ancient times and seeing a revival now. They can be temperamental if not trained properly. But when trained well, goshawks are highly productive, agile, and determined. 

The Harris’s Hawk is another popular falconry bird, however only recently so. Harris’s Hawks like to hunt in an organized group, called a “cast,” and this gives them an edge over lone hunters. They are very successful at hunting rabbits, squirrels, rodents, and small birds. Their easy disposition and ability to hunt in a team have made them a new favorite in the falconry world. 

Other Falconry Birds 

While owls are not popular falconry birds, they do have a couple unique features that make them attractive to falconers. The first is their unique ability to fly completely silently. The second is that while most other falconry birds are diurnal (fly during the day), owls are nocturnal or crepuscular. You can tell from their bright orange eyes that Eurasian Eagle Owls are crepuscular, meaning active during dawn and dusk. 

Golden Eagles are popular in Central Asia and one of the birds of choice in traditional Mongolian Falconry. They are exceptionally strong and able to carry a fox in flight. As such, they hunt deer, bobcats, and even wolves. If you are looking for a place near you to possibly spot one in the wild, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 25 species of birds of prey, including Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles. 
Common Buzzards are broadwing birds that are popular for beginner falconers because of their size and temperament. However, they require a lot of regular flying time, and therefore tend to be substituted once a falconer feels comfortable moving to something more complex.

Photo by Jessy Paston on Unsplash

Broadmoor Falconry Experience

Now that you know a bit about the amazing creatures used in falconry, you likely want to see some in person. If you are interested in getting first-hand experience, the best place for falconry in Colorado Springs is at the Broadmoor. Here you can see falcons, Harris’s Hawks, a barn owl, and more. 

The Broadmoor offers two lessons, beginner and intermediate, for participants to see falconry up close and personal. The beginner lesson is the perfect place to learn more about falconry hunting and the history of the sport. Instructors explain how they train and hunt with the hawks and provide a jaw-dropping demonstration. If you have ever wanted a bird to land on your (gloved) arm, here is your chance. At only an hour and a half, this beginner falconry experience is a day trip for visitors to Colorado Springs. Plus, the lesson is available for anyone over the age of five, making it a perfect educational experience for your bird-obsessed little ones.

The intermediate lesson is only available to those who have completed the beginner experience, and it is well worth the effort. On this tour, you will take a Harris’s Hawk on a scenic outdoor trail in Colorado Springs and watch it work. The instructor will guide you through holding the hawk on your arm and casting it out to a tree. You can watch it soar and hunt and eventually return to your arm. This unique opportunity is a great way to learn more about the birds used in falconry and get a hands-on glimpse into this timeless sport. 

Group Destinations and Activities in Colorado Springs

There is an undeniable power in the shared experience. Whether you are on a scout troop guided trip, corporate retreat, or large family reunion, there are few places better catered to team building and creating lifelong memories than Colorado.

From casual escapes into nature to adrenaline-pumping activities that will push you and your crew to the edges of their comfort zone, the group activities in Colorado Springs can’t be beaten. When planning your next corporate outdoor activity or group retreat, bump the Centennial State to the top of your list.

Not yet convinced? Check out these five most popular group activities offered right here at Broadmoor Outfitters. 

1. Zip Lining

Number of Participants: 8 per tour, multiple tours available 

Duration: Woods Course – 3 hours, Fins Course – up to 4 hours 

Ages: All ages for the Woods Course, 10 – 80 for the Fins Course

Level: Woods Course – Easy, Fins Course – Intermediate

In the past couple of decades, zip lining has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity across the globe. It is a fun thing to do when traveling and an excellent team-building activity for large corporate getaways and scout troop guided trips alike. Zip lining is incredibly fun, very exhilarating, offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, and is accessible for just about anyone.  

The Woods Course is our more beginner-friendly option and is accessible for thrill-seekers of all ages. Lasting about three hours, this group activity will have you traveling high above the forest and canyon floor on five individual lines reaching a maximum height of 150 feet. Those brave enough will enjoy unrivaled views of waterfalls, launch off of spectacular granite rock features, and travel smoothly through the trees. 

For even more airborne adventure, give the Fins Course a try. Similar to the Woods Course, this adventure puts participants on five separate zip lines. These lines, however, are much higher (maxing out at 500 feet above the ground!) and longer (the longest measuring in at 1,800 feet), and the course also includes two rope bridges and a rappel.

For a full day, combine the two courses!

Geocaching with Broadmoor Outfitters in Colorado Springs

2. The Broadmoor Hunt

Number of Participants: 5 – 100

Duration: 2 hours

Ages: All ages

Level: Easy

For the ultimate activity for groups of all sizes, ages, and abilities, schedule a day to complete the Broadmoor Hunt. This Amazing Race style scavenger hunt traverses all over the Broadmoor property and includes over 35 unique challenges. From riddles and clues to activities and photo captures, you can break your large group into smaller teams for some friendly competition and team building.

The hunt works off of your smartphone, and each group can strategize their path to victory. From corporate retreats to family reunions, The Broadmoor Hunt is a fun and interactive way to explore and learn all about the historic Broadmoor and the surrounding area. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to bring a large team together! 

Colorado Springs Falconry at The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

3. Falconry

Number of Participants: 14 per group

Duration: 1.5 hours

Ages: 5 and older

Level: Easy

Falconry is undoubtedly one of the most unique group activities in Colorado Springs – allowing you and your group to learn about hunting with birds of prey. The lesson will start with a fair bit of education, where your group will learn all about this 4,000-year-old pastime, sport, and way of life, as the experts give a flying demonstration and you get to meet many of our captive-bred trained birds of prey. The day closes with a bang, as everyone in your group will have an opportunity to hold a trained hawk after learning proper technique.  

Those that have completed the beginner lesson can advance to an even more exhilarating experience: the opportunity to walk scenic trails with a guide as a trained Harris Hawk flies through the trees, returning to your glove on your command. Whether your group stops at the beginner lesson or takes your falconry education to the next level, it is sure to be an experience no one will soon forget. 

4. The Wild West Experience

Number of Participants: 12 per group

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Ages: 5 and older

Level: Easy

If you have come to the mountains searching for group activities in Colorado Springs, perhaps none are more fitting than the Wild West Experience. Gain an appreciation for the skills that allowed people to survive and thrive in mountain landscapes for thousands of years. The three-part Wild West Experience is undeniably the best bang for your buck as you learn how to use a bow, air rifle, and throwing ax. 

Guides will walk your group through traditional archery skills and accompany you to a range where you will then put your skills to the test. From there, your guides will instruct your group on rifle shooting. Then, test your meddle with .22 caliber air rifles on a range with many different moving and stationary targets. Close your western skills experience with an ax-throwing session. Following more direction from an expert instructor, your group will have the opportunity to toss tomahawks into wooden targets. 

The Wild West Experience provides the perfect avenue for skills and team building, cooperation, coaching and support, and friendly competition – depending on the angle you would like to take. No matter how you slice it, though, this is one of the best group activities in Colorado Springs. 

5. Rock Climbing

Number of Participants: 12

Duration: Half day to full day 

Ages: 12 and up

Level: Easy to challenging

There is no better way to add some adventure to a large group getaway than with a day of guided rock climbing. No matter your group’s skill, fitness, or comfort level, the professional rock guides promise to deliver an unforgettable day. Push your physical and mental limits, and coach each other through enjoyable challenges in the mountains. You will learn climbing knots and belay techniques from expert guides and practice your skills on real outdoor cliff faces. 

With many picturesque climbing areas right out our front door, we have the opportunity to cater the entire day to your specific needs. Your group will coach each other up the wall and perfect your technical skills from one challenge to the next!


Group travel is an incredible way to create a shared experience and foster lasting memories with people you care about. Scheduling free time and exploring on your own is a necessity when planning these types of trips, but guided group activities and tours in Colorado Springs can add a meaningful exclamation point to an already unforgettable trip. Regardless of the group activities you choose, the Rocky Mountains will always find a way to bring people closer together.  

What is Falconry?

Witnessing the beauty of large birds of prey up close is an unforgettable experience. Falconry (hunting with a bird of prey) is a thrilling sport with a rich history and culture that offers a unique connection with nature and provides a different view of the world around you. You quite literally get a bird’s eye view!

Head falconer at Broadmoor Outfitters, Deanna Curtis, has been enamored with raptors ever since she first saw a live presentation with them in 1999. Curtis now has over 16 years of experience as a licensed falconer. Here, she’ll answer the question “what is falconry?” and share a little of her falconry expertise along with what you can expect from a Broadmoor Outfitters falconry experience in Colorado Springs, CO.

Image by holzijue from Pixabay

What Is Falconry?

“Falconry is to hunt wild quarry with a trained raptor in its natural state,” says Curtis. “So the birds are out there hunting, and when they catch something, we convince them to give it up for us to eat.”

The type of wild game you hunt with your raptor depends on the type of bird you’re working with. 


“For instance, a red-tailed hawk is generally going to be hunting rabbits – so cottontails, jackrabbits, squirrels,” says Curtis. “If you’re hunting with a peregrine falcon, you’d be hunting pheasants, grouse, quail, ducks.”

While falconry does mean working with a trained bird, they are also still wild animals with free will, and the sport requires a tremendous amount of work and dedication.

A Brief History of Falconry

Falconry is an ancient sport people have practiced for thousands of years both as a form of hunting for food in nomadic societies and as a sport for nobles in Medieval Europe, Middle East, and the Mongolian Empire. In empires, the nobility would hire master falconers to trap, train, and care for the hawks and other birds of prey so they would be available for hunting with kings and other high nobles.

Falconry has a history worldwide, though the exact origin of falconry is unknown and could date back as far as 8,000 to 10,000 years.

Nowadays, there are strict laws around falconry to ensure the raptors are properly cared for and trained because of the potential impact improper care could have on wild raptor populations.  

What Does a Falconer Do?

For Curtis, being a falconer doesn’t just mean training and hunting, but also educating people about falconry and raptor conservation. Curtis has trained and worked with 22 different species of raptors and has spent much of her career working with non-releasable raptors for educational purposes.

When Curtis takes any of her birds hunting, she goes with her hunting dog, who “flushes” the game out of bushes or tall grass for the raptor to chase.

“And hopefully [my hawk] ends up catching one, and then I give her a large reward, and I take the rabbit and cook it up the next day,” says Curtis.

How Are Raptors Trained?

“People are [often] amazed by how fast one can train a bird to hunt with humans,” says Curtis. “Usually, it’s about 2 to 6 weeks.”

The actual training process is all through food. The falconer limits the bird’s food intake to keep the bird both motivated to follow commands and light enough to fly with the speed it needs to catch prey. 


Curtis says, “If your bird is fed up, then I hold no value, and there’s no reason for it to come back to me.”

In fact, that’s where the term “fed up” comes from!

Like working with any animal, the training happens incrementally with getting the bird to fly to a post or the falconer’s hand from longer and longer distances. Eventually, the bird can fly free and will still fly back when the falconer calls (most of the time), knowing they’ll get food.

Image by Kevinsphotos from Pixabay

How Can I Learn Falconry?

Learning falconry and becoming a falconer requires a significant time and monetary commitment. It requires money for all the bird equipment, shelter, food, veterinary costs, permits, and other fees. With time commitment, it requires the time to go through at least a two-year apprenticeship and then take at least another five years to become a master falconer. 

Throughout this time, your bird needs daily care and training. Being a falconer becomes a lifestyle rather than just a hobby. 

Experience Falconry at Broadmoor Outfitters

Now let’s move on from “what is falconry” to how you can experience it! If you’d like to get a taste of what falconry is like and spend time with these magnificent birds, you can also take one of Broadmoor’s falconry experience lessons. During these sessions, you’ll meet Curtis – or Broadmoor Outfitters’ other falconer, Roger Tucker – and the birds they work with while experiencing Colorado falconry firsthand.

Beginner Falconry Lesson

During the beginner falconry lesson, your falconer will go over the natural history of the birds they have, discuss the history of falconry, and how they train and hunt with the birds. The group then goes to Broadmoor’s outdoor space in beautiful Colorado Springs, where your falconer will have a Harris hawk fly over and in between the guests. Finally, guests get the opportunity to hold the raptor using specialized leather gloves – making this lesson the perfect opportunity to explore falconry for beginners.

“I think the flying portion honestly is where people light up the most,” says Curtis. “They get excited about the birds flying so close to them and over the top of their heads.”

Broadmoor Outfitters currently has 3 Harris hawks, 3 falcons (a Saker falcon, a Lanner falcon, and a Peregrine falcon), a barn owl, a Eurasian eagle owl, and an Ornate Hawk-eagle.

Intermediate Falconry Lesson

The intermediate falconry experience is even more hands-on, where you’ll go out on one of Broadmoor’s outdoor trails with an expert guide and a trained Harris hawk. On the trail, you’ll have an opportunity to work with the hawk. Either Curtis or Tucker will guide you through using the falconry glove, holding the hawk, and casting the hawk out to one of the nearby pine trees. You’ll then be able to watch it fly from tree to tree and eventually return to your glove.

This experience is only available to folks who have taken the beginner’s falconry experience within the past year. However, if you fall in love with the raptors that first round, this is the next step!