What adjustment do immature falconiforms make to their flight feathers?

Immature falconiforms, which include various species of birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and falcons, undergo significant changes as they mature. One of the key adjustments they make to their flight feathers is that they become longer. This lengthening is crucial as it ultimately enhances their soaring and gliding ability, allowing them to better navigate their environment and increase their efficiency in flight. Longer feathers provide greater lift and reduced drag, which are essential for hunting and evading predators.

As these birds grow, their flight feathers are replaced with more mature ones that have the appropriate size and shape for adulthood. This transition not only aids in improved flight dynamics but also contributes to their overall physiological development. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the changes that occur; for example, flight feathers becoming shorter or not changing would hinder their flying capabilities, while a change in color is more related to molting and does not directly affect flight mechanics.