What does capture refer to in falconry?

In falconry, "capture" specifically refers to the act of trapping a raptor from the wild. This process is fundamental to obtaining a bird that will subsequently be trained for hunting. The methods of capture can vary, but they often involve the use of special traps designed to safely secure the bird without causing harm. Understanding capture is essential for falconers, as it lays the groundwork for the training and bonding that will follow once the bird is in captivity.

Trapping a raptor from the wild ensures that the falconer has a directly sourced bird, which can either be wild caught or a native species. This contrasts with other practices such as breeding, which involves pairing adult birds to produce offspring, or training, which focuses on teaching the captured raptor various skills. Observing a raptor in nature is also distinct from capture, as it involves watching the bird in its natural habitat rather than taking it for training or use in hunting.