What is typically used as bait in a Bal-chatri trap?

In a Bal-chatri trap, small mammals are typically used as bait because they are attractive to birds of prey, especially raptors. The purpose of the bait is to lure the raptors into the trap while ensuring that it mimics the natural prey they would hunt in the wild. Small mammals such as mice or voles are ideal due to their size and movement, which effectively draws the attention of the hunting birds. They elicit a natural hunting response and are apt to be found in the habitats where falconry and bird trapping is practiced.

Other bait options, such as birds or fish, are less common or practical due to various reasons, including the potential for attracting different species that may not be the target for falconry and concerns about bait size. Using small mammals aligns with effective trapping strategies for raptors.