A jess (plural "jesses") is a thin strap, traditionally made from leather, used to tether a hawk or

falcon Falcons () are birds of prey in the genus ''Falco'', which includes about 40 species. Falcons are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica, though closely related raptors did occur there in the Eocene. Adult falcons ...

in falconry. Jesses allow a falconer to keep control of a bird while it is on the glove or in training, and allow a bird to be secured on a perch outside its aviary.

Types

Jesses come in various types: * Flying/Hunting jesses: short jesses without the swivel slit so as to not hamper the hawk as it flies or to snag on things as it moves from perch to perch—mainly to help control the bird while on the glove in the field. Flying jesses are often even smaller and lighter than hunting jesses, and are permanently attached to their anklets so they will not be lost; both types ''may'' have the swivel slit on them, based on the falconer's preference, but most often do not. * Mews jesses: long jesses that the hawk wears while it is in a

mews A mews is a row or courtyard of stables and carriage houses with living quarters above them, built behind large city houses before motor vehicles replaced horses in the early twentieth century. Mews are usually located in desirable residential ...

or an

aviary An aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds, although bats may also be considered for display. Unlike birdcages, aviaries allow birds a larger living space where they can fly; hence, aviaries are also sometimes known as flight cages. Avi ...

. * Traditional and Aylmeri: See below.

Description

Jesses are generally made from strips of leather as thin as possible, for which purpose

kangaroo leather Kangaroo leather is a strong light weight leather derived from the hide of the kangaroo. Kangaroos are harvested. Both the meat and the hides are sold. Although hunting most species of macropod is prohibited, a small number of the large-sized ...

has become increasingly popular over the years, as it is thin, light-weight and extremely durable with proper care. Jess size varies depending on the bird, but the width is proportional to leg-length. Traditional jesses are made from a single length of leather, and slits are placed strategically along the jess to allow it to be looped through itself and around the ankle of the bird so that it fits comfortably but securely about and just above what would be the bird's ankle. With Aylmeri jesses, as created by Major Guy Aylmeri, the end of the jess is instead looped through itself repeatedly to form a "button", or knob at one end. The thin, pliable end of the jess is then threaded through an anklet worn by the bird, which is itself formed of another rectangular strip of leather, bound together at the ends by a

grommet Curtain grommets, used among others in shower curtains. A grommet is a ring or edge strip inserted into a hole through thin material, typically a sheet of textile fabric, sheet metal or composite of carbon fiber, wood or honeycomb. Grommets ar ...

(usually of brass), prevented from slipping through the grommet by the knobbed end. Often, another slit is placed near the thin end of the jess cut about one inch long and running lengthwise, through which a special type of

swivel A swivel is a connection that allows the connected object, such as a gun, chair, swivel caster, or an anchor An anchor is a device, normally made of metal , used to secure a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft ...

is fitted, preventing the whole arrangement from twisting or tangling about itself or the bird when a leash is threaded through the other end. Their intent is more to prevent the risk of the bird deciding to chase something it shouldn't, and less to keep the bird from getting away, as falconry birds are routinely (and as part of the sport) set free—the bond between bird and falconer serves as a much better leash than any leather or rope ever will; however, it is not always desirable that a bird be able to take flight at its own whim, and both on the glove and on the perch, jesses help ensure this. During hunting season (small game season for North American falconers), jesses are generally worn all season in the

, and are often removed for the course of the spring/summer moult, when they are generally re-oiled and serviced as necessary.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jesses (Falconry) Falconry