Yes, catching a bird by the tail is often a fool's game. Those are the feathers that are easier to shed - their bodies are layered very thick in feathers, even more than at first glance. That's why you should go for their feet, when you see them - that's the ideal target.

[ Granted, she's not sure if Earthbread Birds and Songrein Birds follow the same body-logic, but she doesn't want to feel stupid... again. ]