Which of the following is true about a 'tiercel'?

A tiercel is indeed a term used to denote a male bird of prey, particularly among falcons. The origin of the term comes from Middle English, influenced by the French word "tierce," which means “one-third.” This is reflective of the size difference between male and female birds in many raptor species, where the male (tiercel) is typically about one-third smaller than the female. Understanding this terminology is crucial in falconry, as it helps falconers identify and select appropriate birds for hunting based on gender, behavior, and size.

The other options represent different concepts that aren't related to the tiercel. For instance, a young bird is generally referred to as a fledgling or juvenile, not a tiercel. A migrating bird would be described using terms related to its behavior or migratory patterns, rather than a specific term that refers to its sex. Similarly, the term for a female falcon is “hen,” further distinguishing it from the male designation of tiercel. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for proper communication and understanding within the field of falconry.