ma.laq denotes removing a bird's head in the priestly altar and offering procedure.

The two occurrences show a single ritual action involving a bird's head: in Leviticus 1:15 it precedes burning the bird on the altar, and in Leviticus 5:8 it is done from opposite the neck without separating the head.

1. Removing a bird's head in an offering rite · dominant

   Both forms are Qal sequential perfect, masculine singular, within priestly instructions. In Leviticus 1:15 the APB renders the action as the priest who shall "nip off its head" before burning it on the altar; in Leviticus 5:8 it renders the action as "nip its head from opposite its neck" and specifies that it shall not be separated.

   Leviticus 1:15Leviticus 5:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the action with "nip off its head" in Leviticus 1:15 and "nip its head from opposite its neck" in Leviticus 5:8. These phrases confirm the ritual setting but do not establish finer distinctions beyond the clauses.