In Buteo, Parabuteo, and Accipiter, how do primary wing feathers molt?

In the families Buteo, Parabuteo, and Accipiter, the primary wing feathers undergo a specific molt pattern that starts with the innermost primary feather and proceeds outward towards the outermost primary. This methodical process is crucial for maintaining flight efficiency and performance, as well as for ensuring that the bird can continue to fly effectively throughout the molting period.

Molting from the inside out helps balance feather wear and replacement, ensuring that the bird retains aerodynamic capability. This pattern is also consistent with the natural progression of feather development, as the innermost feathers tend to be less worn than the outer feathers.

The other options suggest different sequences that do not accurately reflect the established molt pattern observed in these species, making them less valid in this context. Understanding this pattern is important for falconers and bird enthusiasts, as it reflects the natural behavior and physiological needs of these raptors during their molting cycles.