Why do young hawks, especially longwings, take prey larger than typical for adults of the same species?

Young hawks, particularly longwings, often take prey larger than what is typical for adults of the same species because they are in a crucial growth phase that demands more nutritional intake. As they are developing physically, their bodies require a higher caloric intake to support their growth and increased energy expenditure. This need for more food drives them to hunt for larger prey, which can provide the necessary sustenance.

While the other options touch upon various dynamics at play, they do not fully encapsulate the primary driver behind this behavior. For instance, while competition with adults and the ability to catch smaller prey are factors to consider for overall hunting success, the immediate and compelling reason for young hawks to pursue larger prey is their increased energy requirements due to growth. Thus, the emphasis is rightly placed on the necessity of greater food intake during their developmental stage.