What is true about newly caught Accipiters compared to most hawks?

Newly caught Accipiters are known for their tendency to break feathers more frequently than many other types of hawks. This behavior is often attributed to their high activity levels and the stress of being captured, which can lead to rough handling and more vigorous flight attempts as they adapt to their new environment. Accipiters, such as the sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, are agile fliers known for their quick, sharp movements as they navigate through dense vegetation while hunting. This agility and the actions associated with it can result in feather damage more often than in other hawks that may have a different style of hunting or less aggressive flight patterns. Understanding this behavior is crucial for falconers as it informs the care and training approach needed for these birds, especially in the early stages after capture.