Saker Falcon: Falconry Heritage, Care and Health in Saudi Arabia

The saker falcon, known in Arabic as "al-hurr", is the most prominent falcon in Saudi falconry [10][11]. Falconry here is a living heritage, recognised by UNESCO and passed down through families [1][10]. This guide explains the bird, its care and its health in calm, plain terms, and points you to the official bodies for every rule.

A saker is a wild bird of prey and a working heritage animal, not a house pet. It needs experienced handling, a proper mews and a specialised falcon vet.

Saker falcon quick facts

What is the saker falcon, and how is it different from the peregrine?

Saudipedia, the Saudi government encyclopedia, calls the saker the most prominent falcon species used in the Kingdom. It is the popular choice among Arab falconers today, followed by the peregrine ("shaheen"), then the lanner falcon [10].

The saker breeds on open steppe and semi-desert from Central and Eastern Europe across Central Asia to Mongolia and China. It passes through the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, on migration [4][18].

Falconers also keep the gyrfalcon, an Arctic species, and bred gyr × saker hybrids. These hybrids are common in captive falconry but are not known in the wild [6][7].

Why is falconry UNESCO heritage?

UNESCO describes falconry as "a traditional art and practice of keeping, training and flying a bird of prey." It is passed down in families and communities and built on a relationship of care between falconer and bird [1][2].

Falconry was first inscribed on UNESCO's list in 2010 as a heritage shared by several countries. The listing was extended in later rounds, with Saudi Arabia named among the States, and most recently in 2021 [1][2][3].

Saudipedia links falconry, with horsemanship, to symbols of Arab culture going back thousands of years. It estimates that about 20,000 falconers in the Kingdom keep around 16,000 falcons [10].

Is the saker falcon endangered?

Yes. The saker is classed as Endangered, and in 2011 it was moved to Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species, its strictest category [4].

An international action plan for the species reported a steep fall in the world population over recent decades. It names unsustainable capture for the falconry trade among the causes, along with power-line electrocution, habitat loss and poisoning [5].

Wild-trapped or captive-bred: why does it matter?

A study from Saudi Arabia describes the old practice of trapping sakers and peregrines on autumn migration and releasing them again in spring [16]. It found that trapping grew over time, and that more birds were being kept instead of released, which the author links to real conservation concern [16].

So please never take a falcon from the wild, and never buy one of unclear origin. A captive-bred bird with documented, legal origin is the responsible choice. NCW's hunting-season material also states that hunting birds of prey is prohibited [10][12].

There is a health reason too. Researchers have flagged the undocumented live-bird trade as a possible route for bird flu into falconry birds [9][13].

What do falcons eat?

Veterinary guidance says falconry birds are fed whole prey, such as mice, rats, day-old chicks, quail and pigeons [23]. Whole prey, including fur or feathers and bone, gives more complete nutrition than muscle meat alone [23].

Daily intake is roughly 6–15% of body weight, with larger birds needing a smaller share [23]. Buy prey from disease-free, captive-bred suppliers to lower the risk of parasites and infection [23].

Falconers also keep a hunting falcon's weight within a careful range. Judging it is a matter for the experienced handler and, for anything health-related, a specialised falcon vet.

How should a falcon's mews be set up?

A mews is the dedicated, weatherproof space where a falcon lives. The English word comes from the French for "to moult" [19][24].

The sources name a few essentials:

• Good ventilation, without damp or mould. Poor air and humid, mouldy housing are risk factors for aspergillosis [19][20].
• Varied, well-kept perches. Poor perching surfaces are a named risk factor for bumblefoot [21][22].
• Calm surroundings. Stress, such as a recent capture, training or a move to a new owner, raises health risks [19].

How is a falcon cared for during the moult?

A Gulf falcon hospital describes the moult as a yearly process, usually from about March to the end of September [24]. Flight feathers are shed and regrow in a set order, and each feather takes several weeks [24].

Falcons are usually rested from flying during this time. They are kept in a calm mews with stable temperature and humidity, good light, regular health checks and complete nutrition [24].

Trying to speed up the moult with products, without a vet's guidance, is a recognised welfare risk [24].

How do I protect a falcon from the Saudi summer heat?

We did not find a falcon-specific source on heat stress, so we keep this short. Hot, humid conditions are a known contributor to aspergillosis in falcons [19]. That makes ventilation and humidity control in the mews especially important in the Gulf [19][24].

Laboured or open-mouth breathing is a sign to contact a specialised falcon vet promptly [20].

What health problems do falcons get?

This is general awareness only. For any concern, see a specialised falcon vet.

• Bumblefoot (pododermatitis): inflammation of the foot, from mild redness to deep infection [21][22]. It is a well-known problem in captive large falcons. Risk factors include poor perches, an injury that overloads the other foot, obesity, poor diet and too little activity [21][22].
• Aspergillosis: a fungal infection of the airways and air sacs [20]. Poor ventilation, damp or mouldy housing and poor nutrition raise the risk [20]. Young birds and recently captured, trained or rehomed birds are at higher risk [19].
• Avian influenza (bird flu): a highly contagious viral disease. Wild migratory birds carry it naturally, and it spreads through contact with infected birds, their droppings, and contaminated feed, water or equipment [17]. Highly pathogenic H5N1 was found in dead saker falcons in Saudi Arabia (2005) and Kuwait (2007) [9], and hybrid falcons were found to be highly susceptible [13].

Good hygiene follows from this: clean equipment, feed and water, prey from documented suppliers, and distance from wild birds and their droppings [17][23].

Contact a specialised falcon vet promptly if your falcon eats less, has abnormal droppings, breathes with effort or with an open beak, avoids putting weight on a foot, loses weight suddenly, or seems less alert than usual [20][21]. Birds hide illness until it is advanced, so don't wait and see [20].

How do I register a falcon in Saudi Arabia?

This is general guidance only, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the official bodies before you acquire, register, breed, trade or travel with a falcon [12].

• wasmID is not the official falcon passport or registration. It does not issue, replace or speak for any official falcon document.
• Falcon matters are handled by the National Center for Falcons, long known as the Saudi Falcons Club [15]. It organises falconry events and auctions, falcon release programmes and specialised falcon databases [15].
• To register a new falcon, the National Center for Falcons has its own page: Register New Falcon on the National Center for Falcons site (official site, external). Check the current documents and fees there [15].
• The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) regulates wildlife and hunting. Falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club can usually apply for hunting-season permits through NCW's "Fitri" platform [12].
• You may hear of a falcon ownership certificate or "falcon passport". For what is currently required, including documents, fees and validity, check directly with NCW and the Saudi Falcons Club [12].
• Across the Gulf, falcon records commonly use microchips or leg rings to confirm legal origin. Treat this as a regional trend, and ask the official bodies what applies in Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel with a falcon?

The saker is listed under CITES, so moving one across borders usually needs permits [8]. In Saudi Arabia, NCW is the CITES authority [8]. Check current import and export rules with NCW and the Saudi Falcons Club before any trip.

What does it cost to keep a falcon?

Plan for these costs before you commit:

• A steady supply of whole prey from disease-free, captive-bred suppliers [23].
• A proper mews with good ventilation, humidity control and varied perches [19][21][24].
• Regular check-ups with a specialised falcon vet, and extra care during the moult [24].
• Registration and any permits, as set by the official bodies [12].
• An emergency fund, because birds often show illness late [20].

What should I check before getting a falcon?

• Legal, documented origin. Prefer a captive-bred bird, and never a wild-trapped one [16].
• Official registration. Ask how the bird is registered with the National Center for Falcons, and confirm with the club [12][15].
• CITES papers if the bird was imported [8].
• Health record and identification, such as a microchip or ring, and a check by a specialised falcon vet.
• A ready mews and a reliable prey supplier [23][24].
• Experience. Falconry is learned over time, within a community of practice [1].

Falconry history and fun facts

• In Saudi tradition, sakers and peregrines trapped on migration were often flown for one season and then set free again [16]. One widely told explanation links this to the saker's Arabic name, "al-hurr" ("the free one").
• White sakers are the most prized colour among Arab falconers, followed by red, brown, grey and black [11]. This is a matter of taste, not of health or ability.
• Through its "Hadad" programme, the National Center for Falcons works with NCW to return captive and rescued falcons to the wild after vet checks and reconditioning [10][14].

Saker falcon FAQ

What is the difference between the saker and the peregrine?

They are two different species. The saker is the most prominent falcon in Saudi falconry, and the peregrine ("shaheen") comes second [10].

What is a hybrid falcon?

A bird bred from a gyrfalcon and a saker. Hybrids are common in captive falconry but are not known in the wild [6][7].

How long does a saker falcon live?

We did not find a verified lifespan figure in the official sources we used. Ask a specialised falcon vet.

Is it legal to own a saker falcon in Saudi Arabia?

Falconry is a recognised Saudi heritage, and falconers usually register with the National Center for Falcons [10][12]. Confirm current ownership and permit rules with NCW and the club.

Does wasmID issue falcon passports?

No. Official falcon registration is handled by the official bodies. Check with NCW and the National Center for Falcons [12][15].