What is a passager hawk?

A passager hawk refers specifically to a raptor that has been taken during its first migration. This term is often used in the context of falconry to describe a hawk that is caught while it is still in its migratory journey. The significance of this definition lies in the fact that these birds are typically in a wild and vulnerable state, making them particularly valuable to falconers who seek to train them. The unique characteristic of a passager hawk is its status as a first-year migrant, which can affect its adaptability and training potential.

The other terms, while related to falconry and raptors, do not accurately describe a passager. For instance, a raptor taken on migration does not specify that it is the bird’s first migration, and a young raptor never flown would not account for its migratory experience. Therefore, the specificity of a raptor taken during its first migration accurately encapsulates the essence of what constitutes a passager hawk, making it the correct answer.