What compensatory trait do juvenile raptors have after leaving the nest?

Juvenile raptors exhibit longer feathers as a compensatory trait after leaving the nest, which serves a vital role in their development. These longer feathers, particularly in their wings and tails, contribute to the muscle development necessary for flight. As young birds fledge, they rely on these longer feathers to achieve better lift and maneuverability in the air, which is crucial for their survival as they begin to hunt and explore their environment.

This adaptation helps them gain strength and coordination in flight, which is essential for their transition from dependency in the nest to independence in the wild. The process of developing their musculature and flight abilities is critical during this fledgling stage, facilitating their hunting skills, which are key for their future survival as adult raptors.