Which term refers to the process of a hawk capturing another bird?

The term "to crab" specifically refers to the behavior of a hawk capturing another bird, usually involving a swift, tactical approach. This term illustrates the final action in the hunting sequence where the hawk employs its skills and adaptations, such as speed and agility, to catch its prey in mid-air. This behavior is critical to understanding the hunting techniques of raptors and is a key aspect of falconry, emphasizing the natural instincts that falconers work to cultivate in their birds.

In contrast, the other terms do not directly relate to the act of capturing prey. "To draw" can refer to the way a bird may pull or draw on its prey after catching it or may relate to other contexts in falconry and bird behavior. "To check" often describes a behavioral stop or hesitation rather than a capturing act. "To fly" denotes the general action of a bird moving through the air, but it does not imply the specific act of hunting or capturing another bird, making "to crab" the most accurate term for this precise hunting behavior.