What is the primary purpose of bells on a raptor?

The primary purpose of bells on a raptor is to indicate distress and assist in locating the bird. When a falconer uses bells, they serve as an auditory cue that allows the falconer to keep track of the bird’s location, especially in situations where the raptor can fly out of sight. If the bird encounters difficulty or distress, the bells can produce specific sounds that signal to the falconer to search for the bird, ensuring its safety and helping in the retrieval process.

While other choices may seem plausible, capturing prey more effectively, providing decorative elements, and enhancing flight performance do not accurately describe the main function of bells. They are not primarily used for aesthetic purposes or to improve the bird's hunting efficiency or flight capabilities, but rather to establish a communication system between the falconer and the bird.