What is described as a bird that has left the nest but not yet taken flight?

A brancher refers to a young bird that has fledged, meaning it has developed enough to leave the nest but is still learning to fly. This term is commonly used in ornithology to describe the stage when young birds are active around the nest and are practicing their flight skills without fully taking to the air independently. They often perch on nearby branches and enhance their flying ability through short hops and maneuvers, relying on their parents for food during this transitional phase.

The other terms refer to different stages or statuses of birds: eyases are young birds that are still in the nest; haggard typically describes an adult bird of prey that has been captured and then released; and passager indicates a bird that has been raised in captivity and is now capable of independent flight. These distinctions highlight the specific developmental milestones in a bird’s life cycle, emphasizing why a brancher is the most fitting choice for this question.