Which group of birds does not always adapt well to the use of hoods?

Accipiters, which include birds like the Cooper's hawk and the sharp-shinned hawk, are known for their agile flight and hunting techniques that rely heavily on speed and maneuverability in wooded environments. These birds often exhibit a higher degree of nervousness and stress when wearing a hood compared to other groups of raptors.

While hoods can be beneficial training tools to reduce stress and facilitate handling, some accipiters may react negatively to them, exhibiting behavior such as increased agitation or difficulty in acclimating to the restricted vision and limited awareness of their surroundings. This can hinder training and handling efforts, making it challenging for falconers to work effectively with these birds when hoods are used.

In contrast, falcons and buteos typically adapt more readily to hoods, as their hunting strategies and temperaments tend to make them more manageable when their vision is restricted. Raptors, as a broader category, also include other species that may react differently to hoods based on individual temperament and species-specific traits, but the statement regarding accipiters illustrates a distinct challenge within this group.