What happens to wild birds during the molt?

During the molt, wild birds must continue to hunt in order to meet their nutritional needs. This period involves the shedding of old feathers and the growth of new ones, which requires significant energy and resources. As birds lose their feathers, they may temporarily experience a decrease in flight efficiency, but they still need to hunt to sustain themselves and provide for the energy demands of feather regeneration.

While some birds may change their behavior or habitat during the molt, survival necessitates continued foraging for food. Adamantly, feathers serve essential functions, and the loss of old feathers paired with the growth of new ones can pose challenges, but the instinct to hunt remains critical for their overall health and well-being during this phase. The other options, such as stopping hunting, migrating, or growing larger feathers, do not accurately reflect the behaviors and biological processes birds undergo during molt.