Saker Falcon & Houbara Bustard
24.5cm
798-401a ...... P.O.A
The falcon mantles over her prey, the elusive desert bustard
|
A dramatic hunt captured in silver. The natural habitat of the ground-dwelling Houbara Bustard extends across the northern Sahara through Egypt, the Middle East, Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and then east as far as western Mongolia.
The Houbara is preyed upon by the Saker Falcon, a desert raptor that has adopted a low-flying 'search and chase' method of pursuit, enabling it to catch mammals as well as birds. Slower in flight than a Peregrine Falcon and lacking its extended, bird-catching toes, the Saker's large body size and relatively large wings provide the stamina needed for desert hawking.
A striking feature that sets the Saker apart from most other falcons is its large 'fluid' eyes. What this bird of prey lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in tactical hunting skills and is widely considered by Arab falconers to be more intelligent than other falcons.
The Saker Falcon varies greatly in size (and within the same sex), feather marking pattern and plumage colouration. The hues range from 'blond' (light brown marking on a cream background), to yellow or reddish and from rich chocolate-brown to slate-grey.
The Houbara bustard has adapted itself to desert and semi-arid terrain, preferring to forage singly on foot rather than on the wing, even if large distances separate edible items. It favours leafy shrubs, aromatic plants and grubs and will occasionally supplement its diet with lizards and other small mammals. Normally, a two to three egg clutch is laid and within two weeks of hatching the young birds are strong fliers.
|
