A 'passager' hawk is characterized by which of the following?

A 'passager' hawk refers specifically to a young bird that is in the process of migration but has not yet reached full adulthood. This term is typically used to describe hawks that are still reliant on their parents for guidance and are undertaking the journey southward or northward, depending on the season.

This classification is essential in understanding the developmental stages of raptors, as recognizing a passager hawk can help in distinguishing it from other categories such as fledglings, which are still in the nest or learning to fly, and adults that are fully mature and capable of breeding. The term 'passager' emphasizes the migratory behavior of these young hawks, indicating that they are not just any young raptors but those specifically involved in migratory movements at that stage of their lives.

The other options describe different aspects of hawks—such as those that are trained for hunting, breeding adults, or permanent residents—none of which accurately capture the unique state of a hawk classified as a 'passager.'