What does "put over" mean when a hawk acts on its crop?

The term "put over" in relation to a hawk's crop refers to the process of the bird forcefully moving food from its crop into its stomach for digestion. This action typically occurs after the hawk has consumed prey and needs to process the nutrients effectively. The crop is a storage pouch in the bird's digestive system where initial breakdown of food takes place. When the hawk is ready to digest the food, it will "put over" the contents by contracting muscles that push the food down into the stomach, allowing for further digestion and nutrient absorption.

Understanding this term is important for falconers because it indicates the hawk's readiness to digest and utilize the food it has consumed, which can be crucial for assessing the bird's health and readiness for subsequent flights or hunts. Recognizing this behavior helps falconers provide appropriate care and feeding schedules for their birds.