Mantling is best described as

• A. Relaxing wings over food
• B. Spreading wings over food defensively
• C. Hunting behavior
• D. Moulting behavior

Answer: (A)

Mantling is a defensive display where a raptor covers its prey with its wings (often extending the tail as well) to shield and claim it. This canopy serves to shade the catch from view and deter other birds from attempting to steal it, signaling ownership to nearby rivals. That makes the description of spreading wings over food defensively the best fit.

Relaxing wings over food doesn’t capture the protective, possessive purpose of mantling. Mantling isn’t about hunting or pursuing prey in flight, and it isn’t related to moulting.