Which species is best suited for hunting rabbits?

The Red-tailed Hawk is particularly well-suited for hunting rabbits due to several of its physical and behavioral characteristics. This species has a larger size compared to the others listed, which allows it to take down prey that is comparatively large and robust like rabbits. Red-tailed Hawks have keen eyesight that enables them to spot their prey from great distances while soaring high in the sky.

Moreover, their hunting technique involves a combination of soaring and then diving or swooping down to capture prey, making them efficient hunters in open areas where rabbits are commonly found. The Red-tailed Hawk’s strength, size, and hunting prowess make it a preferred falconry bird for targeting such game.

In comparison, while the Merlin is a small falcon known for hunting smaller birds and the Peregrine Falcon is renowned for its speed and specializes in taking birds in flight, neither possesses the size and strength advantage critical for effectively hunting rabbits. The generalization of "any of the above" does not accurately reflect the specific hunting capabilities of the Red-tailed Hawk when it comes to larger prey such as rabbits.