What is the most common buteo used in falconry?

• A. Gyrfalcon
• B. Harris's hawk
• C. Peregrine falcon
• D. Red-tailed hawk

Answer: (D)

Red-tailed hawk is the most common buteo used in falconry because it offers a practical balance of size, temperament, and availability. Its medium build makes it capable of taking a wide range of prey without being too hard to handle, and its flight style is well suited to training and steady hunting. It’s also widely distributed across North America, making birds relatively accessible and affordable for many falconers. Its generally forgiving temperament helps new falconers learn the craft without overwhelming the bird.

Harris’s hawk, while popular for its cooperative hunting style, requires more specialized care and tends to be less universally available. The gyrfalcon is powerful and prized but rare, expensive, and regionally limited, so it’s not the typical choice for most falconers. The peregrine falcon is a true falcon, not a hawk, and thus not a buteo; it’s also generally more demanding to train and manage, which keeps it from being the common choice among buteos.