BIRDS OF PREY
IN THE UK, we have a choice of four species of birds of prey used in falconry that are grouped under the general term “broadwings”. Of the four, only one is a native bird and only three are flown in any numbers. The native broadwing is the common buzzard , now living up to its name again, as buzzard numbers have risen and they now cover virtually all of their original territory. Numbers two, three and four are the red-tailed hawk (), ferruginous hawk and Harris's (or simply Harris) hawk , which are all natives of North America. Altogether there are some 26 species of buzzards, and many subspecies. The red-tailed hawk is split into 14 subspecies, with perhaps two variants used in falconry, one of which is known as Harlan's hawk.
