The bloody, lucrative world of falcon breeding

Breeding and training falcons is serious business — and, if done correctly, seriously good business. Just ask Tibor Buza, who lives on a farm in Coka, Serbia, where at any given time he is overseeing the development of some 200 peregrine falcons.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

While not all of the birds are destined for greatness, the very best can fetch tens of thousands of dollars from falconry enthusiasts, many of whom reside in the United Arab Emirates, which boasts a long tradition of the sport. Until they fly south, though, they are under an eye nearly as watchful as their own: Buza's. The trainer puts the falcons through their paces, raising them from small hatchlings and then introducing them to the chase, with wild pigeons.

Below, images of Buza's squawking business.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)