What does bobbing refer to in falconry?

Bobbing refers to the characteristic up and down movement of a falcon's head, commonly observed in longwing species like falcons. This behavior serves several purposes, including helping the bird to focus on prey and gauge its distance. The bobbing motion allows the falcon to enhance its depth perception and lock onto potential targets while in flight or perched.

While other movements in avian behavior, such as wing shaking or tail feather motions, do exist, they serve different functions that are not described by the term "bobbing." Bobbing is specifically indicative of the way longwings interact with their environment and hunt, making it a vital behavior to understand for anyone studying falconry.