In general, a longwing at high altitude is more likely to target which of the following?

The correct answer is the mallard duck that breaks from the flock in a steep climb over land. Longwings, which include species such as falcons, are especially adept at targeting prey that is in a vulnerable position. When a duck breaks away from the flock and climbs steeply, it is likely to be exerting energy that makes it less stable and more susceptible to predation.

At high altitude, a longwing is also capable of covering large distances quickly, taking advantage of gravity and aerodynamic positioning to dive on prey that presents itself in a less favorable or more isolated circumstance. In contrast, a duck that drops low over a lake would be in a more secure environment, potentially able to find refuge in the water.

Similarly, the cock pheasant that offers to fight is more focused on threats from other ground-based predators rather than aerial ones, and it does not create the same kind of opportunity for a high-altitude predator. Lastly, a homing pigeon flying in a small tight flock can benefit from the safety of numbers, making it a less likely target for a longwing that relies on solitude or separation to successfully capture its prey.

Thus, the dynamics of prey vulnerability and the hunting strategy of longwings align with the