The value of the falcon market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at tens of millions of Saudi riyals. The prices vary according to type. The price of the rarer ones can fetch between SR500,000 and SR1 million.

 The falcon is the pride of Arab people. This can be shown by the fact that some tribes even call their children by the names of falcons probably drawing inspiration from the strength and courage of this wonderful bird

Hunting with Falcon

A Heritage of Our Forefathers

The falcon called “Shahin” is the fastest among its counterparts, but the “Nadawi” is the best for hunting.
Riyadh: Tareq Shouqi

 Those passionate about their falcons, and they are of different social backgrounds, are eagerly anticipating the coming of the hunting season which starts in September and continues until the end of December. The hobby completely takes up the time of hunting enthusiasts among socially prominent individuals and businessmen.

Ahlan Wasahlan magazine sheds light on the world of falconry and the sheer enjoyment these people find therein.

Where are Falcons Found

According to Fahhaad Al-Gahtani, a bird dealer at the Dirah traditional market in Riyadh, local falcons are found mostly in the Kingdom’s western region near the shores of Jeddah, the city of Yanbu, and the northern areas where migrating birds travel through.

However, they originate from south and central Russia, southern Europe, Hungary, and the Balkans from where they migrate in autumn towards the Mediterranean basin, Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula; they also head towards the warmer areas of northern India and Sudan. Falconry is popular as well in Syria, Jordan, the Palestinian shores, around the Suez Canal, the western desert of Egypt, Libya, Iraq, and some states of north Africa.

The falcon is truly one of the best hunting birds used by man because it is strong and can endure hunger for long periods of time. It has a very sharp vision which outstretches human eyesight by eight times.

Characteristics of a Good Falcon

Abdullah Al-Gahtani, falcon trader, says that the trained falconer knows a good one and its characteristics, including wide and sparkling eyes. If the eyes are deep, it normally means that the bird is slightly cross-eyed. The tail must also be long, the chest must be strong and the feel of its body must be solid. It must also have a ferocious appetite, and its nostrils must be wide. A good falcon also has solid thighs and short legs widely- spaced between the thighs. It is also  lightly feathered, and young.

The falcon eats pigeon and quail, and its annual expenses, including food, can reach SR5,000.

Types of Falcons

Falcons can be subdivided into several categories-- some known and some unknown. These include the Hur (or free), Nadawi, Hasawi, Shahin, Sinjawi, Jarudi, and many others. There are more than 60 categories of falcons, with each category in turn having many different types as well.

The Nadawi

It is one of the most used of all falcons in hunting. It is a migrating falcon, and its colors include black, red, dark red, and green. Most of the time this falcon has a big in size, strong claws, and the feathers of its head is devoid of any white. The color of its wings is black on the inside, especially the areas of the chest.

The Hasawi

This is preferred by many falconers. The color of the chest is white with black perpendicular stripes. Its wings, especially the area nearest to its chest, is mostly white while its head is void of any black. The Hasawi is normally smaller than the Nadawi. Some of its types include the “white,” “blond”, “red”, “Kashif Al-Tibri”, and “Joudi”.

The Shahin

In general, the Shahin is famous for its speed, which sometimes reaches 120 km. An hour as it scoops down on its prey from great heights. Its feathers are some of the lightest of all falcon’s plumage , with a sturdy and rough texture. This falcon is very temperamental and can easily be enraged. It is not a patient bird and can not bear hunger. The Shahin is quick to pounce on its prey because it does not like long chases. It is mostly found in west and central Europe, north and east of the Mediterranean, and eastern Greenland. In autumn it is also found in south Spain, and rarely in north and east Africa.

Types of Shahin

Suhaib Al-Ajmi, another falcon trader in Dirah, describes the Shahin as having black circles around each eye. Under its wings there are diagonal stripes, as compared to the Hur, which has longitudinal ones. The Shahin is of two types-- the Bahri or “Sea-bound” and the Barri or “Land-bound”. The Bahri is the quickest and most ferocious among falcons in pursuing its prey. This types has many sub-types including:

The Budur, which has a half circle of white feathers at the back of its head.

The Nawar Ful, which has spots of white feather on its back.

The Ash-hab has a blackish grey  plumage.

The Yamam, with color similar to that of the Yamam bird, a type of pigeon.

There are also other types of Shahin of which not much is known, such as the Persian, Indian, and the Iraqi. The female Shahin is stronger than the male for catching small bird, rabbit, and curlew.

The Hur

This falcon is the best of all. It is characterized by the pureness of its color; it also has no black halos around its eyes, and is bigger than the Shahin. It is subdivided into two types: the Kamel or “Fully-free” and the Mathlooth which is smaller than the Kamel. The price of the Hur depends on the smoothness and size of its plumage.

The Wakri

The Wakri resembles the Hur, and is regarded one of the medium class falcons. It is famous for hunting curlew, and it is mostly preferred by beginners. It is small and under its eyes there is a fine line of feathers called the “Madame” (tears).

At present, falcon is being bred to produce special types. The rarer types are very difficult to find so their prices are increasing.

 

The value of the falcon market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at tens of millions of Saudi riyals . The prices vary according to type. At the beginning of the hunting season, when there is great interest in buying falcons the price of the rarer ones can fetch between SR500,000 and SR1 million , especially the Kamel. The Shahin,” on the other hand, can cost SR35,000-SR80,000. This is because the Shahin is a sensitive bird, which makes it difficult to train.

An Old Hobby

According to Mohammad Al-Amri, the old area for selling falcons in Dirah has been closed down either for renovations or transfer to a new place for this very important aspect of Arab and Saudi heritage. There are 12 shops in Dirah that is dealing in falcons.

It is well- known that hunting with the use of falcons was, and is, a favorite Arabian pastime. The falcon is widely preferred over other birds of prey because of its speed and strong beak and claws. As such it is widely used for training to hunt bird (or any other prey).

The falcon must be trained by an experienced falconer who allows for some affection to grow between him and the former.

Social Perspective

From a social angle, the falcon is the pride of Arab people. This can be shown by the fact that some tribes even call their children by the names of falcons probably drawing inspiration from the strength and courage of this wonderful bird. This was very much so in the past; however, this practice has subsided largely nowadays. What’s also interesting is the fact that if the father of the family used to be a falconer, the son normally follows suit.