What might prolonged hunger in a young hawk lead to?

Prolonged hunger in a young hawk can lead to shock marks, which are indicative of the physical and physiological stress the bird is experiencing. When a hawk is deprived of food for an extended period, it can show signs of malnutrition and stress. Shock marks appear as physical deformities or changes in the plumage and skin, reflecting the body's response to starvation and the lack of necessary nutrients. This condition can impact the hawk's overall health, recovery, and ability to thrive in its environment.

Other options, such as a lack of feather growth or improved health, do not directly result from prolonged hunger. A lack of feather growth would typically be associated with malnutrition, but shock marks are a more direct manifestation of the consequences of starvation. On the other hand, better survival skills would not develop as a result of hunger; rather, prolonged hunger might hinder a hawk's ability to hunt effectively if it becomes weak or more stressed. Understanding these physiological responses is crucial for the welfare and management of young hawks in falconry.