In captivity, accipiters should always have tail guards.

• A. Only during molt
• B. True
• C. Only for juveniles
• D. False

Answer: (B)

Tail guards are used because the tail feathers of accipiters are crucial for precise, powerful flight and are especially vulnerable to damage in captivity. In a enclosure, on perches, or during handling and medical care, tail feathers can rub, snag, or abrade, leading to feather loss or malformed molt. A protective guard provides a soft barrier that minimizes abrasion and helps keep the tail feathers intact during rehabilitation. Since the goal is to produce a healthy, releasable bird, guarding the tail whenever the bird is housed prevents feather damage across molts and ages, not just in a specific situation. Guards should be properly fitted, monitored, and removed during supervised flight or exercise.