What behavior do raptors typically display after leaving the nest regarding their body weight?

After raptors leave the nest, they typically maintain or lose body weight due to several factors related to their transition from dependency to independence. Initially, young raptors rely on their parents for food, which helps them reach a certain weight. However, once they fledge, they must hunt for themselves, which can lead to a decrease in body weight as they adjust to their new independent lifestyle and learn the skills necessary to find and catch prey.

During this period, they may not immediately find enough food to sustain their previous weight, resulting in weight fluctuations. In addition to the challenges of hunting and competition with other birds, they are also developing their flying skills, which requires energy and can contribute to weight loss. Thus, maintaining or losing weight is a natural part of their development as they transition into adult raptors.