Why are Red-tailed Hawks not trained to hunt quail frequently?

Red-tailed Hawks tend to have a preference for larger prey, which makes them less suitable for hunting smaller birds like quail. This preference is due to their physical characteristics and hunting techniques. Red-tailed Hawks typically hunt by soaring high and scanning large areas for substantial prey, such as rabbits, squirrels, and even medium-sized birds, rather than targeting smaller birds like quail. Their size and strength enable them to tackle larger animals effectively, while their hunting style relies on capturing prey that is more substantial in size and easier to grasp.

When falconers choose birds for hunting specific types of game, they take into account the natural instincts and preferences of the bird. Familiarity with the dietary habits and hunting behaviors of the species enables falconers to select the most appropriate raptors for specific hunting tasks. In this context, Red-tailed Hawks are often left to hunt larger game rather than smaller birds such as quail.