passager

The term "passager" in falconry refers to a hawk that has been trapped during its first year in the wild, before it has reached its adult plumage. This distinguishes it from an "eyas," which is a young hawk taken from a nest, or a "haggard," which is a hawk trapped in its adult plumage.1

Falconry itself is an ancient sport involving the use of trained birds of prey, such as falcons and hawks, to hunt game. While the term "hawk" can broadly refer to various birds of prey, in falconry, it specifically encompasses falcons, hawks, and sometimes eagles or buzzards. These birds are trained to hunt in partnership with humans, utilizing their natural hunting abilities. The practice of falconry is found worldwide, with strongholds in regions like Britain, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf states.12