What typically influences a falcon's decision to pursue prey?

A falcon’s decision to pursue prey is predominantly influenced by the movement and vulnerability of the prey. This aspect relates to the falcon's hunting strategy, which relies on its exceptional sight and swift flight capabilities. When prey is moving in a way that makes it easy to catch, such as running or flying slowly, or if it displays signs of vulnerability like being injured or unaware of the falcon's presence, the falcon is more likely to initiate a chase.

While elements like prey size, location, and the time of year can play roles in the overall hunting strategy, they do not have the immediate impact on the decision-making process during an active pursuit as much as the prey's movement and vulnerability do. For example, a larger or faster prey might be avoided if it is well-protected, while a smaller or slower prey that appears vulnerable would be pursued despite its size. Similarly, while the time of year can affect hunting habits and prey availability, the immediate stimuli during a chase are primarily related to the characteristics of the prey itself at that moment.