A raptor that consumes 2 ounces of whole pigeon per day is expected to do what if fed 2 ounces of rabbit instead?

When a raptor accustomed to a diet of whole pigeon is transitioned to a diet of rabbit, the expected outcome is typically weight loss. This is due to the differences in nutritional composition between the two prey items.

Pigeons are generally higher in fat compared to rabbits, which means that the energy content of the same weight of pigeon is greater than that of rabbit. Therefore, if the raptor consumes 2 ounces of rabbit, it is likely to receive fewer calories and fats necessary to maintain its body weight compared to a diet of whole pigeon. Consequently, the raptor may not receive adequate energy to meet its metabolic needs, resulting in weight loss over time.

In contrast, maintaining the same weight or experiencing variable weight changes would suggest that the caloric intake is sufficient for the raptor's energy expenditure, which is not likely with the switch to rabbit given the nutritional difference. Gaining weight would require an increase in caloric intake, which the raptor is not receiving in this scenario.