When lure flying an American Kestrel, what should the weight of the lure be?

When lure flying an American Kestrel, the recommended choice is lightweight for the lure. A lightweight lure allows the bird to engage in a natural hunting response without the added difficulty that heavier lures would impose. This is particularly important for small raptors like the American Kestrel, which are agile and benefit from the ability to chase and catch their prey more easily. Using a lightweight lure also minimizes the risk of injury to the bird during training sessions, as it facilitates proper flying and landing techniques.

A lightweight lure enables the falconer to effectively train the bird in its instinctual behaviors, encouraging flying and hunting practice while fostering a positive experience in lure training.

The other options, such as using heavily weighted lures to prevent carrying or to incentivize hard hitting, are not suitable for the American Kestrel, as they can hinder the bird's natural capabilities and lead to possible training setbacks or injuries. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for lure flying this species is to utilize a lightweight lure.