Dictionary

Introduction

Falconers have a language of their own. Many of its words are several hundred years old, and the same pieces of equipment have names in Arabic, Japanese, Spanish and many other languages. Falconry is inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a living tradition shared by many countries (UNESCO).

This dictionary gathers the Danish falconry terms, ornithological words and biological concepts you will meet at our demonstrations and in our articles. The headwords are the Danish words we use at Eagle World. Each entry explains the term in English, gives the English word in brackets where it is documented, and lists its sources and, where it can be documented, the history of the English word.

The history of falconers' language

A craft language from the Middle Ages

The language of falconry is a craft language, a jargon, that grew up at the medieval courts, where hunting with falcons was the most distinguished form of hunting among the nobility. In the 13th century Emperor Frederick II wrote the great Latin work De arte venandi cum avibus ("On the art of hunting with birds"), which describes the birds, the equipment and the training in detail (Wood & Fyfe translation). In England, The Boke of Saint Albans was printed in 1486 with a section on hawking, and it helped to fix many English terms of the craft.

In the German Jägersprache (hunters' language) the language of falconry lives on as a branch of its own, with special words for the bird's body and behaviour. The feet of a falcon are called 'Hände', the tail 'Stoß' and the droppings 'Schmelz' (DFO, ODF). Many of these words are still used by falconers today.

Falconer on horseback. Frederick II, De arte venandi cum avibus, 13th century. Wikimedia Commons (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Pal. lat. 1071). Public domain.

Woodcut from George Turberville, The Booke of Faulconrie, 1575. Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

How the words travelled across Europe

The words have followed the birds and the falconers across borders. From Latin falco and Medieval Latin falconarius they reached English through French: faucon became falcon, fauconier became falconer, and Old French jes and loirre became jess and lure (Etymonline). Danish took many words from the south; according to Den Danske Ordbog, falk, blok and kro come from Middle Low German.

From the 16th century the Dutch falconers, above all those of Valkenswaard, led the way in Europe. According to the Deutscher Falkenorden, German falconry language is therefore largely built on Dutch and Flemish words (DFO).

Falcon hood, 1494–1508, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (D 48). Photo: Andreas Praefcke / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Falcon hood, c. 1400–1700, Rijksmuseum (NG-KOG-930). Rijksmuseum. CC0.

'Casting-off the Hawk', Penny Magazine 1834. Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

All A BCDEF G H I J K L M N O PQR S T U VWXYZÆ ØÅ

anglo-indisk hætte #

Falconry terms

A hood cut from a pattern, with ample room around the eyes and a large beak opening. It is a good first hood to sew yourself.

See also: hætte (falkehætte)

Sources: MA

ankelsko (sko med og uden slids) #

Falconry terms

(EN slitless jesses (flying jesses))

Jesses that sit around the bird's ankle. Jesses with a slit are used when the bird is attached to the swivel; when it is to be flown, slitless jesses are fitted so nothing can snag.

See also: sko, dråle (svirvel), aylmeri-sko

Sources: MA

arabisk og indisk hætte #

Falconry terms

(EN Arab hood, Indian hood)

Two of the well-known hood types alongside the Dutch and Anglo-Indian. Like the Dutch hood, the Arab hood is shaped over a hood block and takes great experience to sew.

See also: hætte (falkehætte), hollandsk hætte

Sources:

armsvingfjer #

Ornithological terms

(EN secondaries)

The inner flight feathers along the forearm. They mainly provide lift.

See also: svingfjer

Sources: CORN, BDF

asynkron klækning #

Biological terms

(EN asynchronous hatching)

In many birds of prey the eggs hatch a few days apart, so the chicks in a brood differ in size.

See also: kuld

Sources: CORN

at afrette #

Falconry terms

(EN to man, to train)

To train a bird of prey to work with the falconer, so it becomes confident, comes when called and can be flown at quarry. It takes patience and reward.

Sources: AF, ODF

at dække byttet #

Falconry terms

(EN mantling /ˈmæntlɪŋ/)

The bird spreads its wings and tail over its quarry or food to hide it.

Word history: Mantle is from Latin mantellum 'cloak' (Etymonline).

See also: bytte / vildt

Sources: AF, PRON

at flyve frit #

Falconry terms

(EN free flight)

When the bird is flown without a line and returns to the falconer of its own accord.

Read more: Hvorfor flyver fuglene ikke vaek

Sources: MA

at kröpfen (tysk) #

Falconry terms

(EN to feed)

German falconry word for the bird taking food by itself.

See also: kro, Atzung (tysk)

Sources: DFO, ODF

at mande #

Falconry terms

(EN manning /ˈmænɪŋ/)

To train a bird of prey: through calm daily contact the bird gets to know people, sounds and new surroundings and becomes confident with the falconer.

See also: at afrette, tillid / samarbejde

Sources: AF, ODF, VDF, PRON

at ringe op #

Falconry terms

When a falcon climbs in circles to gain height.

See also: at vente kredsende

Sources: DFO, BDF

at ruge #

Ornithological terms

(EN incubate)

When the parent bird sits on the eggs and keeps them warm until they hatch.

Read more: Aeg livets lille mestervaerk

See also: rugetid, æg

Sources: CORN, NABU

at slå (på lokken) #

Falconry terms

(EN to bind, to strike)

When the falcon grips the lure or quarry with its feet, the falconer says it 'strikes' (the lure). German falconry language uses 'binden' for falcons and 'greifen' for hawks and eagles.

See also: fanger / kløer

Sources: BDF

at springe af (bate) #

Falconry terms

(EN bate, bating)

When the bird suddenly flies off the glove or block and hangs in its straps. It is often a sign of unease.

See also: at mande

Sources: MA, ARS

at vente kredsende #

Falconry terms

The falcon waits, circling high above the falconer, until the quarry flushes, and then stoops from height.

See also: styrtdyk, at ringe op

Sources: MA, DFO

Atzung (tysk) #

Falconry terms

(EN food, rations)

German falconry word for the bird's food. 'Atzen' means to feed.

See also: at kröpfen (tysk)

Sources: DFO, BDF

austringer #

Falconry terms

(EN austringer /ˈɒstrɪndʒə/)

English term for a falconer who flies hawks (shortwings) rather than falcons.

See also: falkoner, kortvinger og bredvinger

Sources: MA, PRON

aylmeri-sko #

Falconry terms

(EN Aylmeri jesses)

A modern jess system with a leather cuff (anklet) on the leg and an exchangeable strap through an eyelet. Named after Guy Aylmer.

See also: sko, manchet

Sources: MA

bad #

Falconry terms

(EN bath)

Birds must always be able to drink and bathe. A shallow tub of fresh water is an important part of feather care.

Illustration from De arte venandi cum avibus, 13th century. Wikimedia Commons (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Pal. lat. 1071). Public domain.

See also: lufteplads

Sources: BDF, ODF

Beizjagd (tysk) #

Falconry terms

(EN hawking)

German word for hunting with a trained bird of prey. According to the Deutscher Falkenorden it developed from 'Beißjagd' (biting hunt), because falcons kill with a bite to the neck.

See also: falkejagt / falkoneri

Sources: DFO

bjælde #

Falconry terms

(EN bell)

A small bell on the leg or tail, so the falconer can hear the bird in tall grass or in a tree.

See also: sporingsudstyr / pejling

Sources: MA, DFO

blok #

Falconry terms

(EN block (perch))

Perch for falcons and eagles: a padded top on a spike pushed into the ground. The block should match the size of the bird.

See also: bue / høgebue, langrem

Sources: MA, ODF

bortfløjne fugle #

Falconry terms

(EN lost bird)

A bird that has flown off and not returned. It is searched for with tracking equipment, and good preparation makes the search easier.

Read more: Hvorfor flyver fuglene ikke vaek

See also: sporingsudstyr / pejling, bjælde

Sources: MA

bue / høgebue #

Falconry terms

(EN bow perch)

A curved perch with two spikes, used especially for hawks and buzzards. It should be high enough for the tail to clear the ground. Also called 'bøjle' in Danish.

See also: blok

Sources: MA

bytte / vildt #

Falconry terms

(EN quarry, prey)

The animal the bird of prey hunts. In falconry, quarry is taken in its natural habitat.

See also: falkejagt / falkoneri

Sources: MA, ODF

DDT og æggeskaller #

Biological terms

(EN DDT, eggshell thinning)

The pesticide DDT thinned eggshells and caused, among others, peregrine populations to decline in the 20th century.

See also: vandrefalk, æg

Sources: PF

dråle (svirvel) #

Falconry terms

(EN swivel)

A double swivelling metal ring between jesses and leash. It stops the straps from twisting.

See also: sko, langrem

Sources: MA, VDF, ODF

dummy (kaninlokke) #

Falconry terms

(EN rabbit lure, dummy)

A lure shaped like a hare or rabbit that is dragged across the ground. It is used for hawks, buzzards and eagles.

See also: lokke

Sources: BDF, DDO

dun #

Ornithological terms

(EN down)

Soft, insulating feathers close to the body. Young birds of prey are first covered in down.

See also: unge

Sources: CORN, NABU

dækfjer #

Ornithological terms

(EN coverts)

Smaller feathers covering the bases of the flight and tail feathers, giving a smooth, aerodynamic surface.

See also: fjerdragt

Sources: CORN, BDF

falk #

Falconry terms

(EN falcon)

Collective name for the pointed-winged birds of prey in the genus Falco, such as the peregrine, gyrfalcon and saker. In falconry, falcons are the 'longwings'.

Word history: From Old French faucon, from Late Latin falco; the further origin is not settled (Etymonline). Danish falk comes from Middle Low German valk(e) (DDO).

First recorded: Mid-13th century (Etymonline).

Falcon in flight. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

See also: langvinger, terts / tercel (han), vandrefalk

Sources: AF, DWDS, DDO

falkebåre #

Falconry terms

(EN cadge)

A large frame on which several falcons can sit during transport and hunting. Today it is also made of plastic with artificial turf.

See also: blok

Sources: MA

falkejagt / falkoneri #

Falconry terms

(EN falconry, hawking)

Hunting wild quarry in its natural habitat with a trained bird of prey. Falconry is inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is shared by many countries.

Word history: Falconry from French fauconnerie (Etymonline).

First recorded: 1570s (Etymonline).

See also: falkoner, Beizjagd (tysk)

Sources: UNESCO, DFO, ETY

falkelokke #

Falconry terms

(EN lure)

A lure with feathers or wings that the falcon trains on and flies at. In German it is called Federspiel, and 'federspil' is seen in Danish as a German or older form.

See also: lokke

Sources: VDF, ODF

falkoner #

Falconry terms

(EN falconer)

A person who keeps, trains and hunts with birds of prey. The work rests on daily care, patience and trust between person and bird.

Word history: From Old French fauconier, from Medieval Latin falconarius (Etymonline).

First recorded: As 'one who hunts with falcons' late 14th century; as a surname from the late 12th century (Etymonline).

See also: falkejagt / falkoneri, austringer

Sources: AF, DWDS, DDO, ETY

falkonerknude og stopknude #

Falconry terms

The falconer's knot is used to tie the leash, for example to the block, bow perch or glove, and every falconer must be able to tie it. The stop knot at the end of the leash stops it slipping through the swivel.

See also: langrem, dråle (svirvel)

Sources:

falkonerprøve og falkonerjagttegn #

Falconry terms

In Denmark you must pass an examination to obtain the falconry hunting licence, and only then may you hunt with a bird of prey.

Read more: Det at vaere falkoner

See also: falkoner, falkejagt / falkoneri

Sources:

fanger / kløer #

Ornithological terms

(EN talons, feet)

The feet of a bird of prey with their curved, sharp claws, used to seize and hold quarry. Danish falconers call the talons 'fanger'.

Sources: MA, VDF

fjerbusk (på hætten) #

Falconry terms

(EN plume, topknot)

The feather plume on top of a hood. It is both decoration and handle, so the hood can be removed with one hand.

See also: hætte (falkehætte)

Sources: BDF

fjerdragt #

Ornithological terms

(EN plumage)

All of a bird's feathers together. Many birds of prey change appearance from juvenile to adult plumage over several years.

Young gyrfalcon. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

See also: fældning, ungfugl

Sources: CORN, NABU

fjerreparation (imping) #

Falconry terms

(EN imping)

Repairing a broken flight or tail feather with a previously moulted feather, a thin needle and glue.

See also: svingfjer, styrefjer / halefjer

Sources: ODF, ARS

flyvevægt #

Falconry terms

The weight at which the bird is healthy, strong and motivated to fly and cooperate. The bird is weighed daily and the weight is noted in a log.

See also: vægt (vejning), kondition

Sources: MA

fældning #

Falconry terms

(EN moult (US: molt))

When the bird replaces its feathers. Birds of prey moult once a year, while eagles spread the moult over at least two years. During the moult the bird is normally not flown and gets especially good food.

Word history: Mew, the place where hawks were put to moult, comes from Old French mue, from muer 'to moult', Latin mutare 'to change' (Etymonline).

See also: mews (fældningsrum), svingfjer

Sources: ETY, BDF, DDO

fødekæde / toprovdyr #

Biological terms

(EN food chain, apex predator)

Birds of prey sit high in the food chain and therefore reflect the state of nature. Environmental toxins often accumulate in them.

Read more: De tavse draebere i foedekaeden

See also: rovdyr–byttedyr-forhold

Sources: PF

genudsætning #

Biological terms

(EN reintroduction)

Releasing captive-bred birds where the species has disappeared or become rare, such as the peregrine in North America.

See also: opdræt i menneskers varetægt

Sources: PF

godbid på handsken #

Falconry terms

(EN tidbit, reward)

A piece of meat on the glove to which the bird is called.

Sources: ODF

gylp / gylpbolle #

Falconry terms

(EN cast, pellet)

The casting is a ball of fur, feathers and bone that the bird cannot digest and therefore brings up. This usually happens 12–24 hours after a meal, and the bird must have cast before it is weighed and flown.

Read more: Myter og fakta om rovfugle

See also: klat / klatte, kro

Sources: AF, ODF, DDO

haggard (voksen vildfugl) #

Falconry terms

(EN haggard /ˈhæɡəd/)

Historical falconers' term for an adult bird that has moulted in the wild. English haggard originally meant 'wild' of hawks.

Word history: From French hagard; the OED considers the often-cited derivation from a word for 'hedge, wood' very doubtful (Etymonline).

First recorded: 1560s, of hawks (Etymonline).

See also: redeunge (eyass)

Sources: JRR, ETY, BDF, PRON

halemontering #

Falconry terms

Tracking equipment fitted to one of the tail feathers. The method is widely used on falcons.

Sources:

handske / falkonerhandske #

Falconry terms

(EN glove, gauntlet)

A sturdy leather glove on which the bird sits and which protects against its talons. The bird is traditionally carried on the left hand, leaving the right one free.

Word history: The Danish word comes from Low German hantsche or Old Saxon handskoh, literally 'hand shoe' (DDO).

Dutch-style hood on a falconer's glove. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

Read more: Hvorfor flyver fuglene ikke vaek

Sources: MA, VDF, DDO

hollandsk hætte #

Falconry terms

A hood sewn from several pieces of leather and shaped over a hood block. The type is associated with the Dutch falconers of Valkenswaard.

Hood with plume. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

See also: hætte (falkehætte), hætteblok

Sources: MA

horst #

Ornithological terms

(EN eyrie (aerie) /ˈɪəri/)

The large nest of branches built by eagles, buzzards and hawks, often in tall trees. It is used and added to year after year.

See also: rede

Sources: ODF, JRR, DDO, PRON

hætte (falkehætte) #

Falconry terms

(EN hood)

A leather hood that covers the bird's eyes and keeps it calm during transport and in busy surroundings. A good hood never touches the eyes and leaves the beak free.

Word history: Frederick II's falconry book calls the hood 'an invention of the Eastern peoples' (Wood & Fyfe 1943). Danish hætte is from Old Norse hetta (DDO).

Gyrfalcon (female) wearing a hood. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

Sources: JRR, BDF, DDO

hætteblok #

Falconry terms

A wooden form in the shape of the bird's head, over which the leather of a hood is shaped.

See also: hætte (falkehætte), hollandsk hætte

Sources: MA

høg #

Biological terms

(EN hawk (goshawk, sparrowhawk))

Birds of prey with short, rounded wings and a long tail, such as the goshawk and sparrowhawk. They are built for fast hunting among trees.

See also: kortvinger og bredvinger

Sources: PF, CORN

hørelse hos ugler #

Biological terms

(EN asymmetrical ears)

Many owls have asymmetrically placed ears, allowing them to pinpoint where a sound comes from, even in darkness.

See also: ugle

Sources: CORN

håndsvingfjer #

Ornithological terms

(EN primaries)

The outermost flight feathers, attached to the 'hand'. They provide most of the thrust.

See also: svingfjer

Sources: CORN, NABU

indkald (at kalde fuglen ind) #

Falconry terms

The bird flies to the falconer's glove or to the lure when called. It is the foundation for flying the bird free.

See also: lokke, at flyve frit

Sources: DFO, BDF

journal #

Falconry terms

Daily notes on the bird's weight, performance, food and weather. Over time the log gives a good overview of the bird's condition.

See also: flyvevægt, vægt (vejning)

Sources:

klat / klatte #

Falconry terms

(EN mute(s))

The bird's droppings. Falconers check them every day, as they reveal a great deal about the bird's health.

See also: gylp / gylpbolle

Sources: AF, VDF, ODF, ARS

klækning #

Biological terms

(EN hatching)

When the chick breaks out of the egg, using a small 'egg tooth' on its beak to chip a hole.

Falcon chicks hatching. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

See also: æg, unge

Sources: CORN, NABU

kondition #

Falconry terms

(EN condition)

The bird's physical condition: muscle, stamina and fat reserves. In English 'condition' can also mean how fat the bird is.

See also: flyvevægt

Sources: JRR

konkurrence i reden #

Biological terms

(EN sibling competition)

When the chicks in a brood differ in size, the largest often gets most food. In some eagles this can mean that only one chick survives.

See also: asynkron klækning

Sources: PF, CORN

kortvinger og bredvinger #

Falconry terms

(EN shortwings, broadwings)

Shortwings are hawks such as the goshawk and sparrowhawk; broadwings are buzzards and eagles. They often hunt from the fist or from a perch.

See also: langvinger, austringer, høg

Sources: MA

kro #

Falconry terms

(EN crop)

A pouch in the gullet where food collects before passing on to the stomach. Falconers speak of the bird having 'filled its crop'.

See also: at kröpfen (tysk)

Sources: JRR, ODF

kuld #

Biological terms

(EN clutch (eggs), brood (young))

The eggs or young laid or hatched in the same breeding attempt.

Young falcons with an adult bird in the background. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

See also: æg, unge

Sources: CORN, NABU

kønsdimorfi #

Biological terms

(EN sexual dimorphism (reversed size dimorphism))

Differences between male and female of the same species. In most birds of prey the female is larger than the male (reversed size dimorphism).

See also: terts / tercel (han)

Sources: PF, CORN, NABU

kønsmodning #

Biological terms

(EN sexual maturity)

The age at which a bird can breed. Large eagles often only become mature after several years.

See also: ynglepar

Sources: CORN, NABU

langrem #

Falconry terms

(EN leash)

The strap or line that ties the bird to its block, bow perch or the glove. It is threaded through the swivel.

See also: dråle (svirvel), blok, bue / høgebue

Sources: MA, ODF

langvinger #

Falconry terms

Falconers' term for falcons. They have long, pointed wings and typically take their quarry in the air.

See also: kortvinger og bredvinger, falk

Sources: MA, JRR

levetid #

Biological terms

(EN lifespan)

How old a bird can live to be. In human care, birds of prey often live longer than in the wild.

Read more: Fuglenes alderdom

Sources: CORN

lillevinge (alula) #

Ornithological terms

(EN alula)

A small group of stiff feathers on the wing's 'thumb' that helps the bird control the airflow at low speed.

See also: svingfjer

Sources: MA, NABU

line / lang line #

Falconry terms

(EN creance /ˈkriːəns/)

A long, light line of 20–30 metres on which the bird is flown before it is ready to fly free. Older and international word: creance.

See also: langrem, at flyve frit

Sources: JRR, PRON

lokke #

Falconry terms

(EN lure)

A dummy of leather or a pair of wings, often garnished with meat, swung on a cord to call the bird back and to train it.

Word history: Lure was originally a falconry word: Anglo-French lure, Old French loirre, from a Germanic source; related to German Luder (Etymonline).

First recorded: Early 14th century (Etymonline).

See also: falkelokke, dummy (kaninlokke)

Sources: ETY, VDF, ODF, DWDS

lufteplads #

Falconry terms

(EN weathering ground)

An outdoor area where the bird sits on its block or bow perch and gets fresh air, sun and access to a bath.

See also: blok, bad

Sources: MA

lydløs flugt #

Biological terms

(EN silent flight)

Owl feathers have soft, fringed edges that muffle the sound of the wingbeats.

See also: ugle

Sources: CORN

magnetisk sans #

Biological terms

(EN magnetoreception)

Many migratory birds can orient themselves by the Earth's magnetic field.

See also: træk

Sources: CORN

manchet #

Falconry terms

(EN anklet, bracelet)

A broad leather cuff around the bird's leg in the Aylmeri system. The strap passes through a grommet in the cuff.

See also: sko, aylmeri-sko

Sources: MA, ODF

mews (fældningsrum) #

Falconry terms

(EN mews /mjuːz/)

English falconry word for the room or aviary where the birds are kept, especially during the moult.

Word history: From Old French mue 'cage for hawks', from muer 'to moult'. London's Royal Mews stood where the king's hawks were kept; the word later came to mean stables (Etymonline).

First recorded: Late 14th century (Etymonline).

See also: fældning, volière

Sources: ETY, JRR, PRON

næb #

Ornithological terms

(EN beak, bill)

The hooked beak of a bird of prey is used to tear food apart, not to strike its quarry.

See also: næbtand (falketand), vokshud

Sources: CORN, NABU

næbtand (falketand) #

Ornithological terms

(EN tomial tooth)

A small tooth-like notch on the upper beak of falcons. It helps the falcon dispatch its quarry quickly with a bite to the neck.

See also: næb, falk

Sources: PF, DFO

opdræt i menneskers varetægt #

Biological terms

(EN captive breeding)

Planned breeding of birds of prey in human care, for example for falconry or release projects. The Peregrine Fund has bred and released many peregrines.

Read more: Fra aeg til falk

See also: prægning, vandrefalk

Sources: PF

prægning #

Biological terms

(EN imprinting)

Early, rapid learning by which a young bird learns who it belongs to. A bird imprinted on people regards humans as its own kind.

Read more: Fra aeg til falk

See also: redeunge (eyass), unge

Sources: CORN, NABU

på hånden #

Falconry terms

(EN on the fist)

Having the bird sitting on the glove. Every morning the falconer takes the bird on the fist and checks its straps at the same time.

See also: handske / falkonerhandske

Sources: MA, DFO

rede #

Ornithological terms

(EN nest)

The place where the bird lays its eggs and raises its young. Falcons build no nest but lay their eggs on a cliff ledge or in other birds' nests.

See also: horst, at ruge

Sources: CORN, NABU

redehylde #

Falconry terms

A ledge in the aviary where the bird can lay and incubate its eggs. It is used especially for species that breed on cliff ledges.

See also: volière, rede

Sources:

redeunge (eyass) #

Falconry terms

(EN eyass (eyas) /ˈaɪəs/)

Falconers' term for a bird raised by people from the nestling stage.

See also: unge

Sources: JRR, PRON

rovdyr–byttedyr-forhold #

Biological terms

(EN predator–prey relationship)

The interplay between hunter and hunted. Birds of prey often take weak or sick animals and influence prey populations.

See also: bytte / vildt, fødekæde / toprovdyr

Sources: PF

rovfugl #

Biological terms

(EN bird of prey, raptor)

A bird that hunts other animals and has a hooked beak and strong feet with talons: eagles, buzzards, hawks, kites, vultures and falcons. Whether owls are included depends on the definition.

See also: ugle, falk

Sources: PF, CORN, DFO

rugetid #

Biological terms

(EN incubation period)

The time from the start of incubation until the eggs hatch. It varies between species.

Read more: Aeg livets lille mestervaerk

See also: at ruge, æg

Sources: CORN, NABU

rysteflugt #

Ornithological terms

(EN hovering)

When the bird 'stands still' in the air with rapid wingbeats, like the kestrel watching for mice.

See also: svæveflugt

Sources: CORN, NABU

sejlring (på handsken) #

Falconry terms

(EN glove ring)

A metal ring on the glove to which the leash can be tied as an extra safeguard.

See also: handske / falkonerhandske

Sources: MA

sikkerhedsline #

Falconry terms

A short line attached to the glove and the bird as an extra safeguard. It resembles the slip line but has a quite different purpose: the bird must not be able to fly off.

See also: slipline, handske / falkonerhandske

Sources:

sko #

Falconry terms

(EN jesses /ˈdʒɛsɪz/)

Leather straps around the bird's legs (internationally: jesses), by which the falconer holds the bird. When the bird is flown free, slitless jesses are used so that nothing can snag.

Word history: Jess comes from Old French jes, plural of jet 'a throw', from Latin iactus (Etymonline).

First recorded: Mid-14th century (Etymonline).

See also: manchet, dråle (svirvel), langrem, aylmeri-sko

Sources: MA, ETY, VDF, ODF, PRON

slipline #

Falconry terms

(EN slip line)

A short, thin cord through the eyelets of the anklets, so the falconer can quickly release the bird from the glove when hunting.

See also: handske / falkonerhandske, sko

Sources: MA

sporingsudstyr / pejling #

Falconry terms

(EN telemetry)

A small radio or GPS transmitter on the bird. If the bird flies far away, the falconer tracks the signal with a receiver and finds it again.

See also: bjælde

Sources: MA

styrefjer / halefjer #

Ornithological terms

(EN tail feathers (rectrices))

The large tail feathers the bird uses to steer and brake. German falconry language calls the tail 'Stoß' or 'Staart'.

See also: svingfjer

Sources: CORN, DFO

styrtdyk #

Falconry terms

(EN stoop)

The falcon's steep dive at its quarry with folded wings. The peregrine is known as the fastest animal on Earth in its stoop.

See also: at vente kredsende, vandrefalk

Sources: PF, JRR

stående og stødende hund #

Falconry terms

Dogs are often used when hunting with birds. A pointing dog points to where the quarry lies and gives plenty of time; a flushing dog puts the quarry up and suits hawks, which are sprinters.

Sources:

svingfjer #

Ornithological terms

(EN flight feathers (remiges))

The large wing feathers that give lift and thrust. They are divided into primaries on the outer wing and secondaries on the inner wing.

Read more: Aerodynamik og flyvning

See also: styrefjer / halefjer, fældning

Sources: CORN, BDF

svæveflugt #

Ornithological terms

(EN soaring, gliding)

Flight without wingbeats, using updrafts and thermals to save energy.

Read more: Aerodynamik og flyvning

See also: termik / termisk opvind

Sources: CORN, NABU

tarsus / løb #

Ornithological terms

(EN tarsus)

The lowest, usually unfeathered part of the leg above the toes. On falcons, the jesses and the ring sit here.

See also: sko

Sources: CORN, DFO

termik / termisk opvind #

Ornithological terms

(EN thermal)

Columns of rising warm air in which large birds of prey in particular can soar without flapping.

See also: svæveflugt, træk

Sources: CORN, NABU

territorium #

Ornithological terms

(EN territory)

The area a pair defends against others of its kind, especially in the breeding season.

Word history: From Latin territorium, from terra 'earth' (DDO).

See also: ynglepar

Sources: CORN, NABU

terts / tercel (han) #

Falconry terms

(EN tiercel (tercel) /ˈtɪəsəl/)

Falconers' term for the male, which in many birds of prey is about a third smaller than the female. The English word tercel is also used in Danish.

Word history: Tiercel goes back to Latin tertius 'a third' (DFO).

See also: kønsdimorfi, falk

Sources: DFO, JRR, PRON

tillid / samarbejde #

Falconry terms

(EN trust, bond)

The foundation of falconry: the bird returns because it has learned that the falconer is safe and rewards it.

See also: at mande, indkald (at kalde fuglen ind)

Sources: IAF, VDF

træk #

Ornithological terms

(EN migration)

The regular movement of birds between breeding and wintering areas. Many birds of prey migrate over land, using rising air.

See also: termik / termisk opvind

Sources: CORN, NABU

udfarvet #

Ornithological terms

(EN adult plumage)

A bird in adult plumage, as opposed to a young bird in juvenile plumage.

See also: ungfugl, fjerdragt

Sources: MA, BDF

udflyvning #

Ornithological terms

(EN fledging)

When the young bird leaves the nest and starts to fly. The parents often keep feeding it for some time afterwards.

See also: unge

Sources: CORN, NABU

ugle #

Biological terms

(EN owl)

Nocturnal or crepuscular hunters with forward-facing eyes, superb hearing and silent flight. Owls are not closely related to the diurnal birds of prey, even though they look similar.

See also: rovfugl

Sources: CORN, PF

unge #

Ornithological terms

(EN chick, nestling)

A bird that cannot yet fly. Young birds of prey hatch covered in down and are fed by their parents.

Four young gyrfalcons. Photo: Frank Wenzel. Eagle World archive – all rights reserved.

Read more: Fra aeg til falk

See also: dun, redeunge (eyass), kuld

Sources: CORN, NABU

ungfugl #

Ornithological terms

(EN juvenile, immature)

A bird that can fly but does not yet have adult plumage. In many eagles this takes several years.

See also: fjerdragt

Sources: CORN, NABU

vandrefalk #

Biological terms

(EN peregrine falcon)

A widespread falcon known for its fast stoops. It has recovered after a decline in the 20th century.

See also: falk, styrtdyk

Sources: PF

videnskabeligt navn #

Biological terms

(EN scientific name)

A two-part Latin name (genus and species), such as Falco peregrinus. It is the same in every language.

See also: falk

Sources: CORN

vingefang #

Ornithological terms

(EN wingspan)

The distance from wingtip to wingtip with the wings outstretched.

See also: svingfjer

Sources: CORN, NABU

vokshud #

Ornithological terms

(EN cere /sɪə/)

The bare, often yellow skin at the base of the beak where the nostrils are.

See also: næb

Sources: JRR, NABU, PRON

volière #

Falconry terms

(EN aviary)

A spacious, covered enclosure where the bird can move freely and be left in peace.

Word history: From French volière, from voler 'to fly', Latin volare (DDO).

See also: mews (fældningsrum), lufteplads

Sources: DDO

vægt (vejning) #

Falconry terms

(EN weighing, scales)

Daily weighing on accurate scales is the falconer's most important tool for following the bird's condition.

See also: flyvevægt

Sources: MA

våge #

Biological terms

(EN buzzard (US: hawk, e.g. Harris's hawk))

Broad-winged birds of prey that often soar or sit watching, such as the common buzzard. The Harris's hawk is popular in falconry.

See also: kortvinger og bredvinger

Sources: PF, CORN

ynglepar #

Ornithological terms

(EN breeding pair)

A male and female breeding together. Many large birds of prey pair for life.

See also: territorium, kuld

Sources: CORN, NABU

æg #

Ornithological terms

(EN egg)

Birds of prey lay only a few eggs at a time. The egg protects and nourishes the embryo until the chick hatches.

See also: at ruge, kuld

Sources: CORN, NABU

øjne og syn #

Ornithological terms

(EN eyes, vision)

Birds of prey have very sharp vision and large, forward-facing eyes that give good depth perception.

See also: ugle

Sources: CORN

ørn #

Biological terms

(EN eagle)

Large, powerful birds of prey with broad wings, such as the white-tailed eagle and golden eagle.

Read more: Havoern haliaeetus albicilla, Kongeoern

See also: horst, rovfugl

Sources: PF, CORN

Around the world

Falconry is a shared cultural heritage of many countries. Here are some of the key words in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, with the standard romanisation (pinyin, Hepburn, Spanish spelling) and IPA in small print. We only include words we have found in reliable sources. The Arabic forms follow the Gulf dialect.

Concept	Arabic	Chinese	Japanese	Spanish
falcon	صقر saqr (golf: sagr) /saqr/ generic word, strictly the saker [ARS]	猎鹰 lièyīng /lje˥˩ iŋ˥/ [ZH1]	隼 hayabusa /hajabɯsa/ strictly the peregrine [SUWA]	halcón halcón /alˈkon/ [ES1]
falconer	صقّار saqqār /saqˈqaːr/ [UAE]	驯鹰人 xùnyīngrén /ɕyn˥˩ iŋ˥ ʐən˧˥/ [ZH2]	鷹匠 takajō /takadʑoː/ [SUWA]	halconero / cetrero halconero, cetrero /alkoˈneɾo, θeˈtɾeɾo/ [ES1]
falconry	بيزرة bayzara /ˈbajzara/ [EFC]	驯鹰习俗 xùnyīng xísú /ɕyn˥˩ iŋ˥ ɕi˧˥ su˧˥/ literally 'the custom of training hawks' (Kyrgyz tradition) [ZH1]	鷹狩 / 放鷹術 takagari, hōyōjutsu /takaɡaɾi/ [SUWA]	cetrería cetrería /θetɾeˈɾi.a/ [ES1]
glove	منقلة mangalah (golf) /ˈmanɡala/ arm sleeve, used instead of a glove in the Gulf [ARS]	皮手套 pí shǒutào /pʰi˧˥ ʂoʊ̯˨˩˦ tʰaʊ̯˥˩/ leather glove [ZH2]	弓掛 / 鞢 yugake, egake /jɯɡake/ [IAFJP]	guante / lúa guante, lúa /ˈɡwante, ˈlu.a/ [ES1]
hood	برقع burqaʿ (golf: burgu) /ˈburqaʕ/ [UAE]	not documented	隼頭巾 hayabusa-zukin /hajabɯsa dzɯkʲiɴ/ falcon hood [SUWA]	capirote / caperuza capirote /kapiˈɾote/ [ES3]
jesses	سبوق sabbūq (golf: sbug) /sabˈbuːq/ [UAE]	not documented	足革 ashikawa /aɕikawa/ [IAFJP]	pihuelas pihuelas /piˈwelas/ [ES3]
leash	مربط marbaṭ /ˈmarbatˤ/ [ARS]	not documented	大緒 ōo /oːo/ [IAFJP]	lonja lonja /ˈloŋxa/ [ES3]
swivel	not documented	not documented	旋子 motooshi /motooɕi/ [IAFJP]	tornillo / destorcedor tornillo /toɾˈniʎo/ [ES3]
lure	تلواح tilwāḥ / milwāḥ /tilˈwaːħ/ [UAE]	假兔子 jiǎ tùzi /tɕja˨˩˦ tʰu˥˩ tsɨ/ only 'rabbit lure/dummy' [ZH2]	not documented	señuelo señuelo /seˈɲwelo/ [ES2]
block / bow perch	وكر wakr /wakr/ block [UAE]	not documented	架 hoko /hoko/ perch [IAFJP]	alcándara alcándara /alˈkandaɾa/ perch [ES3]
hawk	باز bāz /baːz/ goshawk [ARS]	鹰 yīng /iŋ˥/ generic 'hawk/eagle' [ZH1]	not documented	azor azor /aˈθoɾ/ goshawk [ES1]

Not documented (left out):

Chinese: hood, jesses, leash, swivel, block/bow perch (no reliable source found)

Japanese: lure (the IAF document only mentions 餌合子 egōshi, a food box used for recall, not a lure) and hawk (no sourced form)

Arabic: swivel (no word found)

'A nobleman hawking', school of Shaykh 'Abbasi, Isfahan, 1650–1684. Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Katsushika Hokusai: Landscape with two falconers, 1831. Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Utagawa Toyohiro: Falconer, c. 1800 (LACMA M.2003.168.6). Wikimedia Commons / LACMA. Public domain.

Image credits

Falconer on horseback. Frederick II, De arte venandi cum avibus, 13th century – Wikimedia Commons (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Pal. lat. 1071) – Public domain (img/hist_de_arte_venandi1.jpg)
Illustration from De arte venandi cum avibus, 13th century – Wikimedia Commons (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Pal. lat. 1071) – Public domain (img/hist_de_arte_venandi2.jpg)
Woodcut from George Turberville, The Booke of Faulconrie, 1575 – Wikimedia Commons – Public domain (img/hist_turberville_falconer.jpg)
'A nobleman hawking', school of Shaykh 'Abbasi, Isfahan, 1650–1684 – Wikimedia Commons – Public domain (img/hist_safavid_hawking.jpg)
Katsushika Hokusai: Landscape with two falconers, 1831 – Wikimedia Commons – Public domain (img/hist_hokusai_falconers.jpg)
Utagawa Toyohiro: Falconer, c. 1800 (LACMA M.2003.168.6) – Wikimedia Commons / LACMA – Public domain (img/hist_toyohiro_falconer.jpg)
'Casting-off the Hawk', Penny Magazine 1834 – Wikimedia Commons – Public domain (img/hist_penny_casting_off.jpg)
Falcon hood, 1494–1508, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (D 48) – Photo: Andreas Praefcke / Wikimedia Commons – Public domain (img/C_khm_wien_falkenhaube_D48.jpg)
Falcon hood, c. 1400–1700, Rijksmuseum (NG-KOG-930) – Rijksmuseum – CC0 (img/D_rijksmuseum_valkenkap_NG-KOG-930.jpg)

Sources

MA – The Modern Apprentice – Falconry Glossary (USA)
JRR – Glossary of Falconry Terms, Journal of Raptor Research (USF Digital Commons)
AF – americanfalconry.com – Glossary of falconry terms
IAF – IAF – International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey
PF – The Peregrine Fund
CORN – Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birds / Bird Academy
UNESCO – UNESCO: Falconry, a living human heritage (01708)
DFO – Deutscher Falkenorden – Falknerei: Begrifflichkeiten
VDF – Verband Deutscher Falkner – Falknersprache
ODF – Orden Deutscher Falkoniere, LV NRW – Falknersprache
BDF – Bündnis Deutscher Falkner – Falknersprache
NABU – NABU – Naturschutzbund Deutschland (German ornithological terms)
DDO – Den Danske Ordbog, ordnet.dk (word origins)
ODS – Ordbog over det danske Sprog, ordnet.dk
ETY – Online Etymology Dictionary (etymonline.com)
DWDS – DWDS – Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Deutschen (Pfeifer)
ARS – Arabian Studies II – glossary of falconry terms on the Arabian Peninsula, pp. 135–136
UAE – Arab Hunter – Falconry in the U.A.E.
EFC – Emirates Falconers' Club
IAFJP – IAF: Japan – Application on the Conservation (2009), list of equipment
SUWA – 諏訪流放鷹術保存会 (Suwa-ryū Hōyōjutsu Hozonkai)
ES1 – Archivo Iberoamericano de Cetrería, Universidad de Valladolid – vocabulario
ES2 – Falconeria.org – Diccionario de Cetrería
ES3 – Fradejas Rueda: «Placear», voz de la cetrería moderna (Institución Fernando el Católico)
ZH1 – 中国非物质文化遗产网：柯尔克孜族驯鹰习俗
ZH2 – 阿合奇县人民政府 (Aheqi, Xinjiang) – 猎鹰场
ZH3 – 中新网·新疆：驯鹰人库尔马西 (2025)
FII – Frederick II, De arte venandi cum avibus – English transl. Wood & Fyfe 1943 (Internet Archive)
PRON – Romanisation: Hanyu Pinyin, Hepburn and RAE spelling; pronunciation of EN/DE terms after Cambridge Dictionary / Duden