Why is it more difficult for a falcon to take a pigeon in flight?

The correct choice highlights two key factors that contribute to the challenges faced by falcons when attempting to catch pigeons in flight. Pigeons tend to fly in flocks, which can confuse and overwhelm a predator like a falcon. This group dynamic allows the pigeons to support one another by creating a more chaotic environment, making it harder for a falcon to single out an individual target.

In addition, pigeons exhibit skilled aerial maneuvers that can frustrate a falcon's hunting attempts. Their ability to swiftly change direction and dodge can effectively outsmart the falcon during an attack. This combination of flock flying and agile dodging behavior greatly enhances the pigeon's chances of avoiding predation.

The first option regarding the speed and agility of pigeons, while somewhat relevant, does not encapsulate the whole scenario as effectively as the interconnected behaviors described in both flocking and evasive maneuvers. Hence, the combined effects of flying in flocks and dodging make it significantly more difficult for falcons to successfully capture pigeons in flight.