Know More About Qatar National Bird
Falcons are hawk-like birds of prey with hook-beaked beaks and acute vision.
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Falcons are considered Qatar's national bird, and they are undeniably an important part of the country's rich past and culture.
Origin of Falcons
They are vicious diurnal birds that hunt effectively during the day.
Falcons' vision is almost eight times as good as the sharpest human vision, allowing them to swoop down on their prey as soon as they spot it.
More than 5,000 years ago in Iran, this wild bird's features gave rise to the tradition of hunting fresh flesh to supplement the diet of desert nomads.
Over time, this custom spread to other Middle Eastern countries. The Bedouins carried this heritage's art to Qatar.
Falcons are a common raptor in this region of the world, and they are considered symbols of wealth and nobility because keeping a healthy falcon demands a lot of money and effort.
Falcons, who frequently live 12 to 15 years, arrive in Qatar in the spring.
Species of Falcons
Falcons come in six different species, each of which has particular characteristics:
The Amur Falcon is famous for its fascinating migrations that cover over 22,000 kilometers of the equator.
Lanner Falcons are characterized by striped feathers and a tooth-shaped notch on their beaks.
The Saker Falcon, the world's second-largest falcon, is a majestic bird known for its beauty and power.
The peregrine falcon is considered the fastest animal ever seen. It flies at a maximum speed of 389 kilometers per hour.
The Barbary Falcon, which is slightly smaller in size, is well known for its razor-sharp beaks that resemble fishing hooks.
The long-winged and slim Sooty Falcon is well-known for its extended travels.
Art of Falconry
Since the Bedouin tribes used the raptor to hunt migratory birds for food, falconry has been a traditional skill.
Each relationship a bird develops with its trainer makes for a great hunting partnership.
Among other things, this lone bird teaches its falconers patience, bravery, and tenacity.
Falcons at Souq Waqif
While on vacation in Doha, visit the Falcon Souq in Souq Waqif to get a sense of how authentic this habit is and to learn more about Qatari falconry culture.
It's an excellent area for falcon sightings, up-close photography, and even falcon holding under expert supervision.
Nearby is the government-run Falcon Hospital, which treats and heals injured falcons.
It is usual to observe falcons that have been temporarily blindfolded or hooded as part of the taming procedure to keep them calm until they become acclimated to their surroundings or the falconer.
Tourists can benefit from this chance to observe and learn more about traditional falconry and the deeply established national affection for falcons as the falconry and hunting season begins in October.
Katara International Hunting and Falcons Festival
The Al Gannas-run Katara International Hunting and Falcons Festival is another significant gathering in the region focused on falcons and hunting.
The Katara Cultural Village Foundation, one of the region's most recognizable buildings with a form resembling the hood used to calm a falcon, is home to the main headquarters of the Al Gannas Association.
It is currently the ninth most well-known landmark in Doha. The organization's purpose-built headquarters is home to a rare collection of stuffed raptors, including the most notable species that can be found in Qatar's wild habitat.
It also has a lecture hall that provides falconry training.