What describes a brancher in falconry?

A brancher in falconry refers to a young bird that is still in the developmental stage of becoming independent, specifically one that is capable of flying short distances from branch to branch but has not yet fully developed the independence needed for sustained flight or foraging. This term is typically used to describe a fledgling that has left the nest and is beginning to explore its environment under the supervision of its parents, practicing its flying skills and learning to navigate its surroundings.

The other options denote stages or characteristics of birds that are either further along in their development or do not accurately reflect the specific meaning of "brancher." For example, an adult bird ready for independent hunting indicates a fully mature and self-sufficient bird, while a term for a hawk with fully fledged wings would refer to a bird that has completed its initial feather development and can fly effectively, which is a step beyond the brancher stage. Lastly, a young bird learning to hop between branches is a similar concept, but it does not capture the essential nature of a brancher, which specifically describes the transition of a young bird that is already capable of flying between branches rather than just learning to do so.