falconry with small hawks or falcons
Refers specifically to hunting with small raptors such as sparrowhawks or kestrels, as opposed to larger birds like goshawks. A traditional practice in Japan.
See also: 小鷹
During the Edo period, falconry with small hawks was popular among samurai.
The techniques of small-hawk falconry were passed down from master to apprentice.
Standard kanji spelling for falconry with small hawks.
Variant with okurigana; also seen in historical or literary contexts.
Compound of 小鷹 (small hawk) and 狩 (hunting). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the practice has been documented in Japan since ancient times.