What are the components of a hawk's mute?

The correct response identifies that a hawk's mute consists of both urates, which are waste products from the kidneys, and feces from the intestine. In birds, the excretory system functions differently than in mammals. Birds do not produce urine in the same way that mammals do; instead, they excrete a semi-solid substance known as urates, which appears as a whitish paste.

When a hawk defecates, the mute combines both the urates and the fecal matter from the digestive tract. This combination is important for identifying a hawk's health status, diet, and hydration levels. Observing the characteristics of a mute can provide insights into what the hawk has been consuming and help with diagnosing possible health issues.

In contrast, the other options focus on only one component of the mute. While some may suggest it consists solely of feces or urates, this doesn't accurately depict the complete nature of a hawk’s excretory output. Hence, recognizing the combination of both bodily waste products is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of a hawk's mute.