Which traditional falconry equipment is not routinely used with American Kestrels?

American Kestrels are small falcons and their size and hunting style influence the equipment used with them. The traditional falconry equipment typically includes bells, hoods, and jesses, but each piece of equipment has specific applications that may not necessarily suit the American Kestrel.

Bells are used on many birds of prey to help locate them when they are flying, but due to the Kestrel's small size and lightweight nature, bells may be more cumbersome and impractical for these birds. The sound produced might not be necessary for a bird that hunts in open areas and typically has good visibility.

Hoods are utilized to keep a bird calm and to limit its vision during transportation or when not in use. While hoods can be applied to Kestrels, they are not as routinely used as they are with larger falcons that benefit from the calming effects of a hood during training.

Traditional jesses are straps attached to the legs of the bird, and while they can be used with Kestrels, they may not be commonly employed due to the bird’s smaller size and the different handling techniques involved. Other forms of equipment might be more suited to manage their agility and quick movements.

As a result, when it comes to American K