A passage hawk is typically described as which of the following?

• A. Fully mature hawk
• B. Hatchling
• C. Young wild hawk in first year
• D. Domestic pet

Answer: (C)

Understanding hawk age classes helps you identify what stage a bird is in. A passage hawk is a wild hawk in its first year after fledging, not yet fully mature. This term describes birds that have left the nest and are in their juvenile stage, still transitioning toward adult plumage and behavior. Because it is still in its first year and wild, the description matches a young wild hawk in first year. It’s not a hatchling, which would be newly hatched and still very young; it’s not an adult; and it’s not a domestic pet.