Which bird has a tooth and wears trousers? The falcon. It might sound a bit strange at first, but it makes perfect sense upon closer inspection. In addition to the hooked upper beak, the falcon tooth located on it is a characteristic feature of the bird. And "trousers" refers to the feathering of the lower legs, which is characteristic of most birds of prey.
A falcon has 15 cervical vertebrae, which allows it to turn its head by up to 180°. The kestrel even has a field of vision of 220° thanks to its eye position and without moving its head.
Saved from extinction
There are approximately 39 different species of falcons worldwide. In Central Europe, these breeding birds are mainly found:
- Kestrel
- Red-footed falcon
- Eurasian hobby
- Peregrine falcon
- Saker falcon
In the 60s and 70s, there were only five pairs of peregrine falcons left in Germany, mainly due to the heavy use of pesticides. Fortunately, the population has since recovered.
Falcons are divided into migratory birds and resident birds. That is, between species that flee the cold in winter and those that stay. The Eurasian hobby makes a long journey every year. It flies as far as South Africa.
Another special feature of the falcon is that it does not build its own nests. It either uses abandoned nests of other birds or breeds in hollows of buildings, rock faces, or trees.
Spectacular nosedives
Falcons are hunters. They have been trained by humans for hunting for many thousands of years. It is assumed that this relationship between human and bird began approximately 3,500 years ago in Central Asia. The Germanic tribes probably adopted this form of hunting, known as "falconry," as early as the 2nd century AD. In this process, the falcon waits 100 to 200 meters above the falconer for a signal and then dives at the prey in a breathtaking steep flight. It reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h and flies at an angle between 90° and 45°.
In many falconries, you can admire this impressive spectacle. However, no animals are hunted during these displays. The falconer and their falcon show different flight and landing tricks during various performances, where the trainer and their animal must be perfectly in sync.
It is a special experience to admire these proud animals in their full glory and action. At Riegersburg (Styria), for example, children from the age of 6 can visit a falconry bird station with their parents, including a flight show and a tour of the aviaries. And as a highlight, a photo shoot with a bird of prey on your fist. Take part in our raffle and, with a little luck, win an unforgettable day.
Interested? You can try out such a falconer experience here.
Read also: An excursion destination near Vienna: Liechtenstein Castle
