Which characteristic is associated with Accipiters?

Accipiters, which include birds like the Cooper's hawk and the sharp-shinned hawk, are well-known for their short, rounded wings. This wing structure is a distinctive adaptation that enhances their maneuverability, allowing them to navigate through dense forests and other challenging habitats with great agility. These birds often rely on quick, agile flight to pursue their prey, which typically consists of smaller birds. The combination of their short wings and long tails allows for sharp turns and rapid acceleration, which are crucial for hunting in environments where evasive actions by prey are common.

In contrast, longer wings are better suited for soaring in open airspace, which is characteristic of other raptors like eagles and vultures who rely more on gliding and less on quick maneuvers. Broad wings are typically seen in species that require efficient gliding over large distances without expending much energy. A compact body structure might be seen in various birds of prey, but it is not exclusively associated with Accipiters, as other raptors can also exhibit compact body forms depending on their ecological niches. Thus, the defining characteristic of Accipiters is indeed their short wings, which facilitate remarkable maneuverability.