How is a hawk's beak typically cleaned in falconry?

In falconry, the beak of a hawk is typically cleaned through a behavior known as feaking. This natural behavior involves the bird rubbing its beak on a surface, such as a perch or a branch, to remove debris and remnants of its food. This is an instinctual action that helps maintain the beak's health and functionality, allowing the hawk to have a clean surface for tearing food, which is critical for its feeding habits.

Dipping the beak in water, rubbing it on a surface, or using a cloth may not replicate the natural behavior necessary for the bird to effectively manage its beak. While birds may benefit from occasional water bathing or cleaning, feaking is specifically designed by nature to serve this purpose in a way that is most effective and healthy for the bird. Understanding this behavior highlights the importance of allowing hawks to engage in their natural instincts in the practice of falconry.