What is a common characteristic of the hawks classified as accipiters?

The characteristic that defines hawks classified as accipiters is that they have short wings and rounded bodies. This morphology allows them to be agile fliers, which is essential for maneuvering through dense foliage while hunting for smaller birds. The structure aids in quick turns and sudden changes in direction, helping them to catch prey in forested environments where they thrive.

While other choices may describe traits of different types of hawks or birds of prey, they do not align with the specific adaptations seen in accipiters. Long wings and broad tails, for example, are more typical of soaring hawks that rely on gliding longer open spaces, and small size and high speed might pertain to different species, such as falcons. Similarly, while medium size and long tails may describe certain other raptors, they do not accurately characterize accipiters, where the emphasis is on their short wings and rounded body shape.