Which of the following is a feature of precocial birds?

Precocial birds are characterized by their ability to be relatively independent right after hatching. One of the defining features of such birds is that they are often more mature and developed compared to altricial birds, which are typically born in a less developed state. After hatching, precocial birds usually have their eyes open and are covered with down feathers, enabling them to move around, forage, and feed themselves shortly after they are born. This independence allows them to escape predators and adapt quickly to their environment.

In contrast, the other options describe traits of altricial birds, which remain in the nest, rely heavily on parental care, and are born in a more helpless state, often blind and featherless. Understanding the differences in developmental strategies between precocial and altricial species is crucial in the study of avian biology and ecology.