Falconry is the ancient sport of hunting with trained raptors. Without a special license it's not legal to own any bird of prey. The federal government, through the U.S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, can issue permits to own birds of prey. Permits must be issued in conjunction with state authorities. Properly permitted falconers can purchase any kind of raptor from other falconers, or special permits potentially allow master falconers to live-trap any species of raptors.
Peregrine
Peregrine falcons are prized by falconers. Their acrobatic flying abilities are renowned. They are perhaps most famous for being one of the only birds in the world to power dive. That means they flap their wings in a vertical dive. These dives can reach speeds close to 200 mph. Peregrines are known to attack other birds from above.
Gyrfalcon
Gyrfalcons are arctic cousins of the peregrine. The gyrfalcon shares most of the peregrines traits but has a coat of white feathers mixed with black and gray to blend into arctic environments. The gyrfalcon is thought of as being even more exotic than a peregrine. There are even fewer gyrfalcons in captivity than peregrines.
Golden Eagle
Golden eagles are rare in falconry and highly prized. It is probably the largest bird regularly engaged in falconry. The golden eagle as well as the peregrine are great examples of how private falconers have worked with government agencies to preserve species. Golden eagles were near extinction from the use of DDT pesticides. Discontinuance of the pesticide, captive breeding programs executed with the help of the falconry community have helped restore Golden Eagle populations and made them more common among falconers.
Goshawk
A Goshawk is an example of a less exotic but prized hunter. The Goshawk is in the family Accipiter. It is a hawk, not a falcon. Goshawk's are built a little more like falcons than most hawks. They have long tails and short shoulders and fly with falcon-like agility. Goshawks hunt both birds and mammals. They are extremely efficient and aggressive predators. They are one of the few birds of prey known to attack humans near their nests.
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