To what accuracy should a scale for a Kestrel or Merlin measure?

A scale for a Kestrel or Merlin should measure to an accuracy of one gram to ensure precise weight measurements for these smaller raptor species. Weighing birds accurately is crucial in falconry because even small variances in weight can significantly affect a bird's health, performance, and training effectiveness.

Maintaining precise weight records helps falconers monitor the bird's condition and adjust feeding accordingly, which is vital for ensuring that the bird is fit for flying and hunting. Since these species are relatively small, the increased sensitivity of a one-gram increment allows for better control over the bird's weight management compared to more coarse measurements, which could lead to inaccurate assessments of the bird's health and readiness for activities in the field.

Other weight options, such as two grams, five grams, or one ounce, would not provide the necessary level of precision for effective management of Kestrels or Merlins, as they could result in significant discrepancies in tracking the bird's weight trends over time.