What does the term 'haggard' refer to in falconry?

The term 'haggard' refers to a mature wild raptor that has reached adulthood and is capable of hunting on its own. In falconry, a haggard bird would need to be distinguished from other categories of birds that may be at different stages of development or conditions, such as a fledgling or a bird still in the nest. A haggard is considered more experienced and is usually sought after by falconers for its hunting prowess. It is essential for falconers to understand the different stages of a bird’s life cycle and its various classifications, as this knowledge impacts training and hunting practices. For instance, a bird just fledged is still learning to hunt, while one kept in captivity for training has been accustomed to human interaction, but may not yet possess the wild instincts that come with maturation.