Why do young avian predators tend to take larger quarry shortly after leaving the care of an adult?

Choosing the option regarding the need for more skill to catch smaller birds does not fully encompass the behavior and survival strategies of young avian predators. After leaving the care of adults, these young birds often target larger quarry because they require a significant amount of energy to support their growth and development. Larger prey tends to have more calories and provides a higher nutritional value, which is vital for their survival as they are establishing their hunting abilities.

Young avian predators do not necessarily exhibit superior skills compared to adults; rather, they may struggle with the smaller, more agile species that require refined hunting techniques. As they gain experience, many will eventually develop the skills necessary to hunt various sizes of prey, but initially, the focus is often on maximizing caloric intake from larger food sources. This behavior is influenced by their need for sustenance while simultaneously learning to hunt independently.

Thus, understanding that young avian predators might gravitate towards larger quarry for better energy returns after leaving adult supervision is crucial for grasping their hunting behavior and ecological strategies.