Which of these statements accurately describes a pheasant's behavior when being chased by a hawk?

A pheasant's behavior when being chased by a hawk typically involves seeking cover to reduce the risk of being caught. When under threat, pheasants often rely on their natural instincts to hide in dense vegetation or other forms of cover to escape detection. This behavior is a survival tactic, allowing them to utilize their camouflage and minimize the chances of being preyed upon.

While pheasants can fly short distances, their flying abilities are not as proficient as those of their avian predators like hawks, which are adept at high-speed aerial pursuits. Therefore, relying solely on flight, especially at high altitudes, is not a strategy in the pheasant's playbook when escaping a hawk.

The other choices suggest either consistent behaviors that aren't accurate for pheasants or imply unrealistic scenarios regarding their interactions with predators. Instead, the natural and instinctual reaction for a pheasant under threat is to find cover, which aligns with their evolutionary strategies for survival.