Which of these statements is true concerning branchers?

Branchers are young birds of prey that have developed enough to leave the nest and perch on nearby branches but have not yet fully developed their flying skills. At this stage, they rely on their parents for food and support, which is why the statement regarding them being fed by their parents is accurate. This period is crucial for branchers as they learn important skills through observation and initial flight attempts, while still depending on their parents for nourishment.

The other options describe various stages of a bird's development that do not apply to branchers. For instance, fully developed flying skills are characteristic of fledglings, not branchers. Remaining on the ground or being completely independent would describe certain earlier or later stages in their developmental timeline. Thus, understanding the role of branchers in the transition from nestling to fledgling highlights the validity of the correct statement regarding their dependency on parental care at this critical time.