What is the purpose of a brail in falconry?

The purpose of a brail in falconry is to restrain one wing of a bird. This is an essential tool used by falconers to prevent the bird from flying away while still allowing it some freedom of movement. The brails are typically made of soft materials and are attached to the bird's jesses (the straps that secure the bird's legs) and wrap around the wings. By only restraining one wing, the bird can maintain balance and position, which is important for a variety of activities such as training, handling, or transportation, without causing stress or discomfort. This method ensures that the bird is secure yet able to adapt to training sessions or brief handling without the complete restraint that a full harness would provide. Each tool and practice in falconry is designed with both the safety of the bird and the effectiveness of training in mind, making understanding their functions crucial for any falconry apprentice.