California Falconry License Practice Exam

The term for a raptor that is capable of independent survival after leaving the nest is "passage." This refers specifically to birds of prey that have fledged and are now capable of hunting and surviving on their own in the wild. As these young birds transition from being dependent on their parents for food and care to becoming independent hunters, they are considered "passage" birds. In contrast, "eyass" refers to a young raptor that has not yet fledged and is still dependent on the nest, while "nestling" typically indicates a bird that is still at the nest stage and is being cared for by its parents. The term "haggard" describes a raptor that is fully mature and has completed its first year of life, often implying that it is capable of survival but does not specify the transition from dependency. Therefore, "passage" accurately captures the developmental stage at which a raptor can live independently after leaving the nest.