What is a passage or passage hawk?

A passage hawk refers specifically to a raptor that is captured during its first migration. This term is often used in the context of falconry, where enthusiasts seek to train hawks that are relatively new to the migratory process. Because these birds are often young and inexperienced, they can be somewhat easier to train than older, more established birds that might have already gone through multiple migration cycles.

Birds taken on their first migration typically show less wariness and have not yet formed the same level of attachment to a familiar territory, which makes them prime candidates for training. The concept of a passage hawk emphasizes the importance of timing and the opportunity to catch birds that are more likely to adapt to the falconry lifestyle.

Other options describe either a broader classification of birds in general or do not accurately reflect the specific criteria of being newly migrated. Hence, while they provide interesting insights, they do not meet the definition of a passage hawk as specifically referenced in falconry terms.