Accipiters are characterized by which wing morphology?

• A. Long, pointed wings
• B. Broad, gliding wings
• C. Short, rounded wings
• D. Feathery, no wings

Answer: (C)

Accipiters hunt in forests, so they need to maneuver quickly among branches. Short, rounded wings provide rapid takeoffs and tight turning ability, and a long tail helps with precise steering and braking. Long, pointed wings are better for pursuing prey in open spaces, where straight-line speed matters more. Broad, gliding wings support soaring with less flapping, not the rapid, agile flight needed in cluttered habitats. Feathery, no wings isn’t possible. So the wing shape that fits accipiters best is short, rounded wings.