Is it possible to keep a peregrine falcon as a pet?

Question

I've seen a few people who have falcons, hawks, and eagles as pets? But would it be possible to get a peregrine falcon as one? And if so where could I get/buy one?

Answer 1

The Peregrine Falcon was an endangered species, but has been removed from the list.

"The Peregrine Falcon was removed from the U.S. Threatened and Endangered Species list on August 25, 1999. In 2003, some States began issuing limited numbers of falconry permits for Peregrines, due to the success of the recovery program."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_Falcon

While you can not own one as a pet, you can have one if you are a licensed falconer. You can get more info on falconry in the US here: http://www.falconryacademy.com/

You need both state and federal licenses to be a falconer. Here is an example of the Arizona licenses procedure, which stipulates: "Once your state license is approved, you must now apply for your federal falconry license. Fill out the necessary federal paperwork and mail to the USFWS Migratory Birds Permit Office in Albuquerque, NM."
http://www.azgfd.gov/eservices/special_licenses/sport_falconry.shtml

Check out the requirements of your state before you start looking for a bird. The licensing procedure is very stringent, and you must show not only that you have the knowledge to keep the bird properly, but that your facilities meet state and federal standards.

Answer 2

The Peregrine Falcon was listed on the endangered list due to over use of DDT during the 1950s to the 1970s. It is illegal to own species of animals on the endangered list without special permission. It would require years of experience with these birds to be able to handle them. If you know of a nesting site, it is best to leave it alone and let them reproduce in peace. There are other falcons that you can keep, but I would only suggest that in cases where a person has had previous experience in working with these birds. They are very difficult to handle, and while it seems like a cool bird to have, it would prove a disaster if you didn't know what to expect and how to properly handle them. A predator bird can do serious damage to you when provoked, so you need to know when and how to handle them. I would suggest any other bird to start with before I would suggest a falcon or hawk as a pet.

Answer 3

It's illegal to keep any wild bird as a pet without a permit, and as far as I know, under no circumstances is any private party permitted to 'own' a Peregrine Falcon. However, it is a great idea for anyone who loves wild birds to join a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Many of them accept trained volunteers, and for people who are serious about endangered species, I'd recommend going to college and earning a degree in veteranary science. You can be involved in the study and care of Peregrines, among many endangered wildlife, if you choose to do so. In that way, it is possible to consider yourself a foster parent to a Peregrine.

At the Kodak tower in Rochester, New York, during the breeding and roosting season of the Peregrines, there is a webcam set up where you can watch the birds during every stage of their life. They have extensive research on the life habits of the peregrine. The people in charge of the project, and the Genesee Valley Audubon Society, have been involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of many of the fledgelings. Their Peregrines return to the tower every year... it's been a huge project since 1998. It's what got me interested in Peregrines.

You can visit the Falconcam at http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/mainView.php -- It really is facinating. It would be great for someone so interested to involve themselves on this scale. I'd recommend researching Audobon Societies and similar programs in your area and learning how you can become part of their projects.

Good luck, and I hope this helped!

Answer 4

No, not as a pet, no.

You would have to be a liscensed falconer to have a peregrine or any type of bird-of-prey in your posession. Or, if you are a wildlife rehabilitator, you can also have them in your possesion.

Being a falconer takes alot of time and dediction. you woul need to find a falconenr and become their apprentice, and learn all the ways of the ancient art of falconry. Then you would need to build mews and territories for each bird and have them inspected to be a falconer. It takes alot, alot of dediction--you can't have a long job as well, as you would need to fly the bird daily to let her excersize. It's a rigorous path--only those who have been with birds nearly there entire life could understand.

Answer 5

No, these birds cannot legally be kept as pets anywhere in the US. They are protected by law. You may have seen Falconers keeping these birds. They use them to hunt and it takes many permits, licenses and years of training to be able to keep these birds for that purpose.

Answer 6

Rfalconcam

Answer 7

It is my understanding that you usually need to be a falconer with some years of training or a wildlife rehabber in order to be licensed to own a bird of prey. :)

Answer 8

They're on the endangered species list I believe.

Yes, you can "own" one - but you have to have special permits and meet federal guidelines for a proper aviary in order to keep them.

Thing is, unless you have a lot of experience - which you can get as a volunteer for a local sanctuary - I don't recommend them as pets. They have talons and beaks that can rip you to shreds and require very special care in order to thrive.

And again, I believe they're on the endangered list.

How about a nice African Gray parrot instead? At least they can learn to talk.

Answer 9

I don't think so... they're endangered, aren't they?

And unless you live on a huge farm or piece of land, that would just be cruel. They're born to hunt and fly and be free. Not be in a cage.

Answer 10

NO! NOT FAIR to the animal,and it's probably illegal anyways.It is a wild animal and needs room to fly and hunt.