An intermewed bird is described as

• A. Bird molting in the wild
• B. Bird nesting during molt
• C. Bird kept through a molt in captivity
• D. Bird released after captivity

Answer: (C)

Intermewed means a raptor is kept in captivity through its molt. Feathers are shed and regrown during molt, a period when the bird isn’t capable of good flight or hunting. Keeping it in a secure mew under supervision allows the molt to proceed safely, with steady feeding and handling, until the new feathers are fully grown and the bird can resume normal activities. This is different from molting in the wild, which happens without confinement, or from nesting during molt, or from being released after captivity.