Who is referred to as a falconer?

A falconer is specifically defined as a person who is licensed to practice falconry, which is the art of hunting with trained birds of prey. This practice requires formal training and adherence to regulations, as it involves both the care of these birds and the skillful handling required for hunting.

In contrast, while someone who raises birds of prey for breeding might be involved in aspects related to falconry, they are not necessarily trained or licensed to hunt with these birds, which is a key component of what defines a falconer. Individuals interested in birdwatching do not engage in the active hunting or training of birds of prey and therefore do not fall under the definition of a falconer. Finally, a person who only observes birds in the wild lacks the essential skills and licenses required to practice falconry and does not participate in the sport itself. Thus, being licensed to practice falconry is what distinctly defines a falconer.