What primarily encourages the development of hunting skills in proficient hawks?

The correct answer highlights the intrinsic nature of hawks as birds of prey. Proficient hunting skills in hawks primarily stem from their inherent instincts, which have evolved through generations to enable them to hunt effectively. These instincts guide their behavior, allowing them to engage in specific actions such as spotting prey, stalking, chasing, and capturing.

While factors such as hunger can indeed motivate a hawk to hunt, the fundamental capability and proficiency in hunting rely on these instinctual behaviors built into their biology. The other options do not encompass the primary driver of hunting in hawks as thoroughly as this instinctual behavior does. Sentimental attachment to the falconer, for instance, may influence a hawk's training and bonding but does not directly contribute to the hawk's natural hunting abilities. Similarly, while an understanding of a hawk's temperament and savagery can be beneficial for a falconer, it does not directly stimulate the development of the hawk's inherent hunting skills. Ultimately, it is this instinct that is essential for their successful hunting performance.