early 80's sci-fi/horror film

Answer 1

 That's actually a SERIOUSLY easy one to answer for you.

Beastmaster.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083630/

The baby at the start was dropped into the pit to entertain the gathered evil guys. A hawk flies in and grabs the baby and flys away. I believe the baby is also branded with a hot poker with a symbol on his palm.

The baby grows up with the ability to see through the eyes of a hawk, and has 2 pet ferrets that do his bidding.

He talks to the animals/beasts...for he is....THE BEAST MASTER!

It looks alot like Conan but, well, enough said actually, this is the movie. I knew it when I literally read your opening comment about the baby being dropped into a pit and it being picked up by a bird. 

Job done.

:-)