Caring for hunting eagles, especially those used in Mongolia for the traditional practice of eagle hunting, is an intricate process that encompasses diet, training, and overall care.

This practice, known in Mongolian as “Berkutchi,” is an ancient form of falconry that uses eagles to hunt prey, including foxes and hares, in the vast steppes of Mongolia.

It’s not just a hunting technique; it’s a deeply rooted cultural tradition, particularly among the Kazakh people in Mongolia, passed down from generation to generation.

Eagle
mongolian eagle hunting tradition 1
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Diet

The diet of hunting eagles is carefully managed to ensure they maintain optimal health and hunting performance. It primarily consists of:

  • Fresh Meat: Eagles are carnivorous and require a diet rich in fresh meat. They are often fed the meat of rabbits, foxes, and other small mammals. Sometimes, the meat is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet.
  • Variety: To mimic the diversity of their natural diet, eagle hunters provide them with different types of meat. This variety is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
  • Water: Eagles also need access to clean water for drinking.

Training

Training a hunting eagle is a long and gradual process that requires patience and expertise:

  • Young Age: Training usually begins when the eagles are young, often around 4 to 6 months old, to ensure they can adapt well to human presence and commands.
  • Bonding: The falconer and the eagle develop a strong bond through daily interaction, which is crucial for successful training.
  • Flying and Hunting Skills: Eagles are trained to fly from the falconer’s glove on command and to return after hunting. They are also taught to hunt live prey, a skill that is honed through practice and natural instinct.
What is the largest eagle in Mongolia?
the golden eagle the hunter bird

Overall Care

  • Housing: Eagles are kept in large cages or aviaries that provide enough space for them to move around comfortably. These spaces are designed to protect them from the elements and predators.
  • Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups by a veterinarian are essential to ensure the eagles are in good health. This includes monitoring their weight, feather condition, and general well-being.
  • Equipment: Hunting eagles are equipped with specially designed hoods and jesses (leather straps) to help manage and protect them. The hood calms the eagle and is used especially in the early stages of training and when transporting the bird.
  • Respect and Ethics: In Mongolian culture, there’s a deep respect for nature, including the eagles. The practice of eagle hunting is governed by traditional ethics, which include releasing the eagles back into the wild after a certain period (often several years) to ensure they can live a natural life and reproduce.
The relationship between Kazakhs and eagles

This traditional practice of eagle hunting is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural significance and the importance of preserving this ancient art.

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