Which method is commonly used to train Red-tailed Hawks?

Operant conditioning techniques are commonly used to train Red-tailed Hawks because they rely on positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. This training method involves rewarding the hawk when it successfully performs a specific action, such as returning to the falconer or following commands. By consistently applying this method, the falconer can shape the bird's behavior over time, leading to more reliable and effective training outcomes.

While stooping the lure is an aspect of training that might be employed in practice, it is more of a technique used within the broader framework of training rather than a comprehensive training method on its own. Hunting quail may be a goal for trained hawks, but it is not a training method; rather, it serves as an application of the skills the hawk has already learned through its training. Therefore, operant conditioning is the most applicable and recognized method for training Red-tailed Hawks.