Pity the unkicked version is so uninspiring, but for a cantrip 1/1 flyer sounds about right. (Compared with Sea Gate Oracle and Messenger Falcons, whose name I've only just realised is a reference to Carrier Pigeons.)

Would flipping it to casting cost and kicker make it too much better? It would obsolete Suntail Hawk.

It would, and that's not a bridge that's been crossed yet. You could perhaps make it 1/2.

I want this to cost {1/2} and be kicked for {1/2}. Then both halves are attractive, but it seems costing is too good unkicked, and costing makes the kicker cheap enough people will be reluctant to ever play it without. But I'm not sure what the right balance is.