The Specialists

Academics now know what American birdwatchers have known for decades.

Cooper's Hawks use vehicles as cover to flank and attack prey.

When other birds of prey have suffered at human encroachment, these hawks thrive.

This is in part because these specialists benefit from a stable environment- which allows for greater precision. Time to scout and plan can be translated to successful ambushes.

This, in turn, mirrors the rise of the Mongols.

A relatively stable environment on the steppe gave their intelligence-heavy raids an edge.