True or False: The goshawk prefers to descend on its prey.

The assertion that the goshawk prefers to descend on its prey is false. Goshawks are known for their powerful and agile flying abilities, employing a technique that often involves surprising their prey from a concealed position or while navigating through dense foliage. Their hunting style typically involves short bursts of speed and agility, making them adept at pursuing prey upward or horizontally rather than primarily descending.

In contrast, many hawks and eagles are known for their hunting strategy of soaring high and then diving down, but that is not the primary method used by the goshawk. Instead, their approach tends to be more about stealth and sudden acceleration after they detect their prey, rather than a focused descent. This hunting behavior aligns with their natural instincts and habitat, which is often in forested areas where they can leverage cover to ambush or chase after their quarry.

Understanding the goshawk's hunting strategy is crucial for falconers and anyone interested in birds of prey because it highlights the species' strength and adaptation to its environment, showcasing its unique role in the ecosystem.