Which species is most likely to occupy and defend the largest territory?

The Gyrfalcon is known for occupying and defending the largest territory among the choices presented. This species is a large raptor that inhabits a variety of northern environments, ranging from coastal areas to mountains in arctic and subarctic regions. Its size, strength, and adaptability allow it to thrive in environments where finding food can be challenging, leading to larger territory requirements to ensure sufficient hunting grounds.

Gyrfalcons are also known for their strong territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season when they defend vast areas from other raptors. Their larger body size and hunting skills facilitate a successful defense of this territory, as they can take down larger prey compared to smaller falcon species.

In contrast, the other species listed, such as the Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, and American Kestrel, typically have smaller territory sizes linked to their specific hunting strategies, prey availability, and habitat preferences. For example, Northern Harriers are more social and often hunt in groups, which can influence their territory needs. The Cooper's Hawk is more reliant on wooded areas and has a smaller range compared to the Gyrfalcon, while the American Kestrel is a small falcon that primarily hunts insects and small mammals in smaller, localized