What are bewits in the context of falconry?

Bewits refer specifically to short, thin strips of leather used in falconry to secure a bird of prey to a perch or the falconer's gloved hand. These strips play a crucial role in ensuring that the bird remains in place, allowing the falconer to maintain control during training and handling. The use of bewits is a traditional practice that helps facilitate safe handling of the bird while minimizing the risk of escape.

The other choices, while relevant to different aspects of falconry, do not accurately define bewits. For example, hunting tools encompass a broader category of equipment used in the sport, feeding devices would indicate tools or devices specifically designed for feeding the birds, and types of hawks refer to the various species within the raptor family, which do not connect with the definition of bewits. Thus, the accurate identification of bewits as strips of leather highlights their distinct function and importance within the practice of falconry.