Great black hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) are a type of bird of prey that can be trained for various purposes, including falconry and animal rehabilitation. Training a great black hawk requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of the bird’s natural behaviors and instincts.

Conditioning and Weight Management

One key aspect of training a great black hawk is conditioning, which involves finding the correct hunting or “flying” weight for the individual bird. This weight is different for each hawk and is determined by observing the bird’s behavior and adjusting its diet accordingly. Once the correct weight is established, the hawk can be trained to fly to the falconer and follow him or her through the woods without any tethers.

Building a Strong Bond

Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT

Training a great black hawk also requires building a strong bond between the bird and its handler. This is accomplished through a process called “manning,” which involves getting the hawk used to the falconer and its new environment. During this process, the falconer will spend time with the hawk, handling it gently and offering it food rewards to build trust and positive associations.

Captive-Bred vs. Wild-Taken Hawks

It is important to note that captive-bred hawks are not necessarily easier to train than wild-taken hawks. The taming process necessary to overcome the hawk’s natural wariness of humans is the same for both captive-bred and wild-taken hawks.

Training Techniques and Resources

In terms of specific training techniques, there are many resources available for those interested in training great black hawks. For example, the S-70 Maintenance Differences course provides technicians with the necessary knowledge to transition from the Legacy S-70A BLACK HAWK Helicopter to the S-70i/M. This course covers a range of topics, including automatic vibration control systems, flight control systems, and rotor brake systems, which can be useful for those training great black hawks to fly and maneuver.

Additionally, there are many videos and guides available online that provide step-by-step instructions for training hawks for various purposes. For example, one video offers tips for training a Harris’ hawk for non-falconry purposes, such as hunting and tracking. Another video provides a detailed overview of the process of taming a hawk and getting it accustomed to human interaction.

Conclusion

In summary, great black hawks can be trained for a variety of purposes, including falconry and animal rehabilitation. Training a great black hawk requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of the bird’s natural behaviors and instincts. Key aspects of training include conditioning, building a strong bond between the bird and its handler, and using specific training techniques to teach the hawk to fly and maneuver. There are many resources available for those interested in training great black hawks, including courses, videos, and guides.

References:
– Queen of the Raptors – HAIX USA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.haixusa.com/blog/queen-of-the-raptors/
– BLACK HAWK PILOT INITIAL QUALIFICATION COURSE. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/rms/documents/sikorsky-training-academy/STA-Course-Descriptions.pdf
– Can You Train Your Harris’ Hawk for Non Falconry Purposes … – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzmcS9Mi78w
– How To Tame a HAWK in real life | How to man your hawk – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAzjP87KaWQ
– 153D UH-60 Black Hawk Pilot – Army National Guard. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.nationalguard.com/153d-uh-60-black-hawk-pilot
– Falconry | History, Birds, Equipment, Techniques, & Facts | Britannica. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/sports/falconry