Which statement is true regarding the hunting abilities of hawks and falcons?

The statement that hawks and falcons hunt through sight and hearing, with poor sense of smell, accurately reflects the primary hunting capabilities of these birds. Hawks and falcons are diurnal raptors, meaning they are active during the day. Their eyesight is exceptionally keen, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. This acute vision is complemented by their ability to hear, which aids in hunting, particularly for species that hunt smaller mammals or birds that may be moving in dense vegetation.

In contrast to their visual and auditory skills, both hawks and falcons have a relatively underdeveloped sense of smell, which limits their ability to hunt based on scent. This adaptation is consistent with their hunting strategies, which rely heavily on visual cues to detect and pursue prey. Therefore, the focus on sight and hearing in the hunting abilities of these raptors is a critical aspect of their predatory behavior.