What does pitch refer to in falconry?

In falconry, pitch specifically refers to the height from which a falcon will dive, or "stoop," into its prey. This action is a critical hunting technique employed by many raptor species, and the height from which they stoop can significantly affect their hunting success. The pitch of a falcon can vary depending on the species, the individual bird's training, and the specific hunting circumstances. Understanding pitch is essential for falconers, as it plays a key role in the bird’s hunting strategy and effectiveness.

The distance a falcon can fly relates more to its endurance and ability to cover terrain, rather than the specific action of stooping. While the speed of the falcon is important in understanding how quickly it can reach its prey or escape threats, it does not define pitch. The age of the falcon might influence its experience and hunting technique, but it does not pertain to the concept of pitch. Thus, pitch is a distinct term in falconry that specifically denotes the height from which the bird engages in its hunting dive.