When placing bells on a raptor, they should fit properly around which part of the bird?

The correct answer is the cere, which is the fleshy part located above the beak where the nostrils are found. Properly fitting bells around the cere is important because it allows the bells to be secured without restricting the bird's movement or ability to vocalize. This placement is ideal as it ensures that the bells can swing freely, making sound to help locate the bird when it's flying, while also avoiding interference with its natural behaviors. Bells placed elsewhere, such as on the beak, talons, or wings, could impede the bird’s comfort, balance, or flying ability, potentially causing distress or injury to the raptor. This attention to detail enhances the overall welfare and effectiveness of the training process.