Theriotype

[…] accompanied by a strong desire to use the body in a way that corresponds with the theriotype.

Although Baker's text does not participate in the (largely Internet-based) field of discourse associated with therianism, his tracking and observations of hawks, and the moments of identification such investigative practices afford, can be compared with one of the processes used by therians to identify their theriotypes, or animal others—namely, via careful study of animal behaviors, habitats, and physical features (Robertson 2013:19).

Therians reported experiencing the sensation of "phantom limbs"—being able to feel a body part associated with their "theriotype,” such as a tail, wings, or claws. They also reported “mental shifts”—distinct periods where their thoughts, feelings, and sensory perceptions felt closer to that of their theriotype.

Perception shifts and phantom limbs may be disconcerting, but they can be useful in helping therians to settle on their theriotype.