What does the term 'passage' refer to in falconry?

The term 'passage' in falconry specifically refers to a wild bird that has been trapped before reaching 12 months of age. This designation is significant because these birds are often more adaptable and retain many of their natural hunting instincts, having grown up in the wild, which can be beneficial for falconers looking for a bird that can be trained for hunting purposes. Understanding this concept is key for prospective falconers, as it influences how they manage and train their birds and the expectations regarding their behavior and capabilities.

The other definitions provided do not accurately capture the essence of the term 'passage.' A bird raised by humans refers uniquely to those that have been hatched and reared in captivity from the start, while captive-bred birds that are raised by their parents are specifically bred in captivity but still exhibit the behaviors learned from their parents rather than those learned in the wild. The mention of a species of hawk is unrelated, as passage is neither a classification of species nor does it convey information about bird breeding and training in the context of falconry. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone studying falconry principles and techniques.