Red-tailed Hawk Behavior (1 Viewer)

[Maljunulo]

Do Red-tails "practice" soaring?

I saw a young adult who seemed to be playing a game of "If I do this with my wings, that happens.".

What I presume to be the same bird,was seen earlier doing what appeared to be practice dives/stoops.

Anyone?

 

[Harry Stottle]

Youthful enthusiasm, seeing what is possible, the joy of life.

I think all sentient beings do the same.

 

[nartreb]

Yes, most complex behaviors require practice. A hawk in particular will still be fed by its parents for some weeks after it leaves the nest. It spends most of its time practicing, not just sleeping. This is similar to kittens chasing a ball of yarn. The urge to chase is inborn, but to chase successfuly requires practice.

On the other hand, there are some pretty complex behaviors that some species can usually do mostly-correctly on their first attempt, even without guidance. Everything from seeking for milk (or begging, for birds) to migrating long distances. It's not something we understand particularly well.

 

[Patudo]

It spends most of its time practicing, not just sleeping.

I wish (after spending hours waiting for young peregrines to take to the air) that was always the case! But yes - they do spend a fair amount of time on the wing, figuring out how to fly, and then to execute "basic fighter maneuvers", in different conditions and wind speeds. Those skills are very much acquired through practice, and you can visibly see their ability on the wing improve as the days and weeks go by.

I've not had the opportunity to watch recently fledged buteos, but they must undertake a similar learning process.