Young hawks, particularly longwings, tend to take prey larger than typical for adults. Why is this?

Young hawks, especially longwings, tend to target larger prey primarily because they require a more substantial caloric intake to support their growth and development. As they are still in their growth phase, they naturally seek out prey that can provide them with the energy needed to sustain their increasing size and activity levels.

In addition to their nutritional needs, younger hawks might exhibit boldness in hunting larger prey due to a combination of factors, including lack of experience. They often have a higher metabolic rate and may instinctively go for larger prey, which could potentially offer a better energy return.

The choice emphasizing that "more skill is required to catch a smaller bird" isn't quite accurate since younger hawks may not have the necessary experience yet that adults possess in hunting smaller prey effectively. Thus, the reasoning surrounding the needs of young hawks to migrate toward larger prey is centered around their physiological requirements. Larger prey typically fulfills their nutritional demands, making it a natural choice during their early hunting experiences.