Do swift short-winged hawks rarely catch waterfowl in a tail chase?

Swift short-winged hawks, such as the American Kestrel or the Merlin, are adapted for speed and agility rather than long-distance pursuit. They typically hunt smaller prey, such as insects or small birds, and rely on their quick flight and maneuverability to capture these targets.

Catching waterfowl generally involves more prolonged pursuit and the ability to cover greater distances, often in open environments like marshes or lakes. As their body structure and hunting techniques are specialized for short, swift sprints rather than long chases, these hawks are not well-suited to effectively hunt larger, more agile animals such as waterfowl in dynamic scenarios.

Therefore, it is true that swift short-winged hawks rarely catch waterfowl in a tail chase, as their hunting strategies do not align with the behavior required for pursuing such prey.