Why are haggards (adult birds) typically not taken for falconry?

Haggards, or adult wild birds, are generally not taken for falconry because they serve a vital role in their ecosystems as breeding stock. Taking adult birds from the wild disrupts the natural breeding population, which can lead to a decline in that species. Conservation ethics prioritize the viability of wild populations, and responsible falconry practices emphasize the importance of allowing these birds to reproduce and contribute to their species.

While the training of haggards can pose challenges, and there might be concerns about their health and prey specialization, these are secondary reasons compared to the foundational principle that we must allow nature to maintain its breeding stocks. Intruding upon this cycle for falconry purposes can have detrimental effects on the species as a whole.