A passager or passage hawk is defined as...

A passage hawk specifically refers to a raptor that is captured during its first migration. This term is commonly used in falconry to denote young birds that are in a migratory phase, often during their first journey from breeding grounds to wintering locations. These birds are typically more adaptable and can be easier to train as they are still in their youthful phase and have not yet established territory or breeding habits that can complicate training.

In falconry, targeting a passage hawk can be advantageous because these birds are often more willing to bond with their falconer and may exhibit greater learning capabilities due to their relatively untamed nature. This contrasts with other options, such as raptors taken on migration more generally or those that have gone through an intermewing process (being kept in captivity for a specific period), which do not fit the specific definition of a passage hawk.