What primary factor contributes to feather damage on raptors during hunting?

Feather damage on raptors during hunting is primarily attributed to flying through brush. When raptors pursue prey, they often navigate through dense vegetation, which can cause their feathers to snag or become damaged. The structure of a raptor's feathers is delicate, and the sharp edges of twigs or branches can result in breakage or tearing.

While factors such as improper diet, rainy weather, and excessive handling can impact a raptor's overall health and well-being, they are not the main contributors to physical feather damage during the actual hunting process. A diet lacking essential nutrients may affect feather quality over time, but it does not cause immediate damage. Similarly, rainy weather can lead to wet feathers, which may impact flight but is not the primary cause of wear and tear. Excessive handling could affect a bird's temperament and confidence but does not inherently lead to feather damage while hunting. Thus, flying through brush stands out as the key factor in the physical wear experienced by raptors during their hunting activities.