Raptor Training Terminology

Equipment definitions and training terminology used at the Wildlife Center of Virginia: 

Alymeries (or anklets) – leather anklets around a bird’s leg.

Jesses– leather straps that go through the alymeries with a slit at the bottom. Mostly used for safety and control.

Swivel – made of metal with two rings on each end. Jesses are pulled through one end; a leash is pulled through the other.

Leash – a length of rope pulled through the swivel that allows a trainer or educator to safely take a manned bird out of his enclosure without flying away.

Bating– Attempting to fly from the fist (or perch), while jesses are still in hand (or tethered to a perch).