What does feaking involve for hawks?

Feaking is a specific behavior observed in hawks and other birds of prey, which involves the process of a bird wiping its beak on a substrate, typically a natural object such as a branch or a rock. This action serves several purposes, one of the most common being the sharpening of their beaks. By rubbing their beaks against hard surfaces, hawks can remove residue from previous meals, such as bits of flesh or blood, and maintain their beak's sharpness, which is essential for hunting and consuming their prey effectively.

Understanding this behavior is important for falconers, as it demonstrates the natural instincts and maintenance habits of the bird, which must be supported in a captive environment to ensure health and performance. The event of feaking highlights the physicality and self-care rituals that hawks engage in as part of their grooming routine.