Falconry is the ancient art of employing falcons, hawks, and sometimes eagles in hunting game. It's a skilled practice that has its origins in antiquity. Long considered the province of the privileged and wealthy, falconry is indeed historically associated with royalty and the nobility. But it's also intrinsically linked to the national identity and cultural heritage of many countries around the world, a fact recognized by UNESCO.
So, how exactly did falconry evolve, and what are the nations that turned this sport into a fine art? Click on and take flight through this gallery to find out.