How do immature plumaged Falconiformes typically appear in relation to their adult counterparts?

Immature plumaged Falconiformes, which include various species of hawks, falcons, and eagles, often exhibit a size difference compared to adults, particularly in the context of some species growing larger as they mature. However, the answer indicating they are larger than adults is not universally applicable and is not the most accurate perspective.

Typically, immature birds might seem smaller or similar in size to adults, but their plumage can differ significantly. For instance, they may have more subdued or mottled colors, which helps with camouflage while they are learning to hunt and survive independently. The size difference often comes into play in species where young birds can grow in size as they develop and reach maturity.

Diet can influence growth, but it affects all birds similarly rather than causing them to vary significantly from adult sizes based solely on their developmental stage or diet-related growth. Therefore, while some immature plumages might look larger, the more holistic understanding is that their sizes can often match those of adults, leading to confusion in these assessments.