What indicates a falconer should let their hawk feed until it has a comfortable crop?

The indication that a falconer should let their hawk feed until it has a comfortable crop is primarily based on the hawk's behavior after the initial kill. A hawk that has a comfortable crop is one that has ingested enough food to feel satiated and is more likely to be healthy and perform well. Observing the bird's behavior is crucial; a hawk that shows eagerness to continue feeding or displays certain body language—such as maintaining a relaxed posture and not immediately flying away—signals that it may need to eat more.

This aspect of behavior allows the falconer to gauge the hawk’s level of comfort and satiety effectively, ensuring that the bird is in optimal condition for training or subsequent hunting. Other factors, like the size of the prey or the type of quarry, may play a role in the feeding process, but they do not provide the immediate behavioral feedback that helps a falconer make a decision in the moment. Similarly, the time of day might influence hunting conditions, but it does not directly correlate with the hawk's need to feed in the same clear, observable manner. Thus, understanding and interpreting the hawk's behavior after the kill is key in determining when it is proper to