Birds in History and Culture - Eleonora's Falcon

Eleonora of Arborea (c1350-1404)

This remarkable falcon bears the name of a remarkable princess.  Eleonora of Arborea is the Sardinian islanders' greatest heroine. She was not only a military leader who led her troops into battle, but also a politician and legislatress responsible for the Carta di Logu - a code of laws.

The falcon was named after her by Giuseppe Gene the zoologist who wrote of he in 1840, "Her admirable wisdom in the century of barbarities in which she reigned to protect the honour, the life and the goods of the people".

She also protected the hawks and falcons of her dominion by prohibiting the taking of young from the nest.