What is the meaning of "Brancher" in the context of birds?

The term "Brancher" refers specifically to a young bird, particularly a hawk, that has developed most of its feathers but is not yet fully capable of sustained flight. This stage is crucial for young birds as they prepare for eventual independent flying. Branchers typically spend time on the perches or branches, practicing their wings and gaining strength before making the transition to full flight.

This development stage is a part of the bird's growth cycle, allowing it to learn essential skills needed for survival in the wild. Distinguishing branchers from other developmental stages is essential in falconry because it helps falconers understand the young bird's readiness for training and potential release into the wild.

In contrast, the other definitions do not accurately capture the specific developmental stage that a brancher represents. A young hawk that can fully fly indicates a more advanced stage than a brancher. Similarly, a mature adult bird ready to mate describes a bird that has reached reproductive maturity, which is far beyond the brancher stage. Lastly, a bird that has just been hatched refers to a newly born chick, which is at an initial stage of development and lacks feathers and flying capabilities.