What is bating?

• A. A form of wing clipping
• B. A feeding technique
• C. A scent marking ritual
• D. Attempting to fly while restrained

Answer: (D)

Bating is the raptor’s attempt to fly while it is restrained. When the bird is on a glove, jessed, or otherwise tethered, it may flutter, strain, or twist as it tries to escape. This behavior shows the bird is aroused or eager to fly, and it signals the handler to manage safety, check equipment, and work toward controlled flight when appropriate. It’s not about wing clipping, feeding methods, or scent marking, so those options don’t fit.