Falconry is the second oldest field sport in the world and was originally introduced over 4000 years ago using larger birds of prey such as eagles to provide meat for the dinner table. it then became the sport of Kings and Queens who used to participate in falconry whilst riding horseback.

Birds of prey are extremely lazy and will only fly for five main reasons; to hunt, to mark territory, to migrate, to find a breeding partner and for a passage bird (up to 12 months old) to look for its own territory. The rest of the time they will perch, slowly digesting any food they have eaten. In captivity their only reason to fly is for food, as they already have their perch and flying ground. They have no need to migrate and when sexually mature will be introduced to a breeding partner. However, because of their routine of flying more regularly for food and their familiarity with humans, they actually fly more and at a higher body weight. in captivity birds of prey tend to be in a healthier and fitter condition.