A passage hawk is most likely to break its tail feathers if it is kept on what?

A passage hawk is most likely to break its tail feathers when kept on an improper perch. Perches are vital for a raptor's health and well-being; they should mimic natural conditions to support the bird's physical structure and promote good behavior. An improper perch could be too small, unsuitably shaped, or made of materials that do not provide the necessary grip or comfort. As a result, the hawk may have difficulty maintaining its balance or may become uncomfortable, leading to potential injuries like broken tail feathers.

In contrast, a tail saver is designed to protect the tail feathers, making it less probable for breakage when used. Activities such as hunting or mantle behavior typically do not lead to feather damage unless the conditions are somehow flawed. Thus, the association between an improper perch and the risk of breaking tail feathers is foundational to understanding the proper care and management of raptors.