Glossary of Falconry Terms

In falconry, unique terminology is often used. This glossary explains many words or terms used. We hope you find this helpful as you read and learn more about the sport.

Accipiter

The Latin name for a genus of raptors with short, broad wings and narrow tails

Common North American species of accipiters includes sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Goshawks

Aspergillosis

A fungal disease of the respiratory system in raptors

generally fatal

Bate

An abortive attempt to fly off the fist or perch when a bird is restrained by a leash

Bind

To seize quarry with the feet and hold it, either on the ground or in the air

Block

A block of wood, usually inverted, used as a perch for falcons

Braces

The leather straps used to open or close a hood

Bumblefoot

A bacterial infection of the foot particular to raptors

Buteo

The Latin name for a genus of raptors with broad wings and tails

called buzzards in Europe

Common North American species of buteos include red-tail hawks and ferruginous hawks.

Casting

The indigestible portions of the last meal of a raptor

usually bones, feathers, and fur, that are formed into a compact pellet and disgorged through the mouth

Coccidiosis

A bacterial infection causing inflamed intestines and specks of blood in the mutes

caused by dietary deficiencies and exposure to other infected birds.

Cramp

Dietary deficiency causing muscular spasm in "downy" birds

often severe enough to break bones

Creance

A long, strong cord or line used to secure a hawk during its first training flights

Eyass

The name applied to a young raptor while still in the nest

a trained raptor of any age that was obtained as a nestling

Eyrie

The nest or nesting ledge of any raptor

Falcon

The Latin name for a genus of raptors with long narrow wings and short tails

also refers to the female of raptorial species

Common North American Falcons include gyrfalcons, prarie falcons, American kestrels, and peregrine falcons

Frounce

(Trichomoniasis) A cheesy, yellowish growth in the mouth and throat caused by a protozoan parasite

Hack

A state of complete liberty as in returning a bird to the wild

Haggard

The name applied to an adult raptor either trapped or wild

Hood

The leather cap used to cover the head and eyes of a hawk

Imping

A method of repairing broken feathers in raptors

Jesses

Leather straps permanently attached to the legs of a trained raptor

Leash

Leather thong and swivel attached to jesses securing bird to perch or glove

Lure

An artificial quarry used to train, control, or retrieve falconry raptors

Mantle

The spreading of wings and tail over the food or quarry

Mew

A building or room in which hawks are kept

Mutes

The excrement of raptors

Passager

A flighted raptor in its first year either trapped or wild

an immature raptor is commonly referred to as a passage bird

Quarry

Any bird or other animal a trained raptor may pursue

Rouse

When a bird erects all the body feathers and then shakes itself.

Stress Marks

A weak point on feathers showing as a line, caused by no food or other stress which permits feathers to break rather easily.

Stoop

Head-first dive of a raptor from above

Tiercel

The male of any raptor

Wait On

To fly, circle or hover above the falconer for some time