What is the main function of the brail in falconry?

The brail serves a specific and essential function in falconry by preventing the bird from moving its wings. This allows the falconer to handle the bird safely without the risk of injury to either the bird or the handler. By restricting wing movement, the brail helps maintain control during times when the bird may be stressed or when the falconer needs to transport the bird without allowing it to fly away. This is particularly important when teaching the bird to associate being handled with positive experiences, ensuring that the bird remains calm and collected.

While perch provision, training assistance, and feeding support are all vital aspects of falconry, they are not the primary role of the brail. The brail is specifically designed for immobilizing the wings, making it a critical tool for safety and management in handling raptors.