What is the purpose of bells?

• A. Attract prey
• B. Indicate weight
• C. Calming influence
• D. Signal movement and aid tracking

Answer: (D)

Bells are used to help the falconer locate the bird. The sound from the bells when the raptor moves or takes flight lets you hear where it is, even if it’s hidden in trees or out of sight in tall grass. This makes tracking during flight, training, and hunting much easier and helps with timely retrieval and management of the bird. Bells aren’t meant to attract prey, indicate the bird’s weight, or calm the bird; their main purpose is signaling movement and aiding tracking.