What might affect a bird's flight weight?

A bird's flight weight can indeed be influenced by various factors, including temperature. As temperature changes, a bird's metabolism can be affected, leading to variations in weight. In colder temperatures, for instance, a bird may require more energy to maintain body heat, which can affect its weight as it adjusts its food intake accordingly. Additionally, environmental stressors can also play a role in weight fluctuations, as birds may eat differently based on their activity levels and the availability of food in response to temperature changes.

While diet is important for maintaining an optimal flight weight, it is not solely responsible for variations in flight weight. Other factors, such as physiological responses to temperature and environmental conditions, can cause the bird's weight to change significantly. It's also important to understand that a bird's flight weight is not a fixed number; it needs to be monitored and adjusted by falconers to ensure the bird is in optimal condition for flying and hunting.