Which raptor is characterized by having a hunting style adapted to its seasonal prey availability?

The American Kestrel is characterized by a hunting style that adjusts based on the availability of its seasonal prey. This adaptability is crucial for its survival as it allows the kestrel to optimize its hunting strategy according to what is most abundant at any given time. For example, during the breeding season, the kestrel may focus on insects and small rodents, while at other times, it may hunt larger prey like small birds. Its ability to switch between different types of prey and modify its hunting tactics based on seasonal fluctuations significantly enhances its success as a hunter.

In contrast, the other options exhibit different hunting behaviors that are often more specialized and do not show the same level of adaptability to seasonal changes in prey availability. The Northern Harrier, for instance, has a hunting style that primarily depends on open fields and wetlands and tends to hunt small mammals consistently throughout the year. The Cooper's Hawk is known for its agility and preference for birds, particularly in wooded areas, which reflects a more consistent predatory focus rather than an adaptable approach to seasonal variations. Similarly, the Merlin tends to specialize in hunting small birds, typically pursuing them in a direct and aggressive manner without the same level of variation in hunting style in response to seasonal prey changes. As such, the American