Why are haggards, or adult raptors, typically not taken for falconry?

The reason haggards, or adult raptors, are typically not taken for falconry relates to their status as natural breeding stock. Adult raptors are crucial for maintaining healthy populations in the wild, and capturing them can negatively affect the species' reproduction and sustainability. This focus on conserving adults, especially those that have already established a territory and mating habits, underscores the importance of protecting the natural ecosystem.

While adult raptors can sometimes be challenging to train, the primary concern for falconers is the conservation aspect and the potential impact on the raptor population. Additionally, although haggards may have specific prey preferences, this is not the predominant reason for their limited use in falconry. Recognizing the role of these birds in the wild illustrates why falconry often emphasizes young birds, or eyasses, which can be more effectively trained and integrated into hunting practices without threatening the species' future.