The reason to select an American Kestrel over a Red-tailed Hawk as your first bird is ...

The correct answer highlights that none of the statements regarding the American Kestrel and the Red-tailed Hawk provide accurate reasons for selecting one over the other as a first bird in falconry.

When considering the differences between these two species, it is essential to understand the care requirements and characteristics of each bird. Generally, American Kestrels do have specific advantages for beginners, such as a smaller size and potentially easier handling, but the statements provided do not accurately capture why a Kestrel might be more appropriate.

For instance, while it is true that Kestrels may require different feeding schedules than larger hawks, this simplicity does not necessarily mean they need to be fed less often in terms of frequency of feeding, nor does it imply they would not require adequate nutrition to maintain health.

In addition, claims regarding the likelihood of carrying or their health maintenance do not accurately specify the requirements or challenges associated with either species. Therefore, selecting an American Kestrel based on the statements offered wouldn't be justified, which aligns with the selection of "D," as none of the previous reasons are true or adequately substantiated when considering falconry practices.