During which stage does a hawk undergo its first moult?

The first moult in a hawk typically occurs during the nestling stage. This is the period when young birds, while still in the nest and dependent on their parents, begin to replace their down feathers with juvenile feathers. This process is crucial for their development, as it prepares them for the transition to flight and independence. Juvenile feathers provide better insulation and support flight capabilities, essential for their survival when they eventually fledge and start hunting on their own.

In contrast, the juvenile stage refers to the time after the nestling stage when the hawk is fully feathered and capable of flight but is still maturing. While the hawk will continue to grow and develop, the first moult has already taken place during the earlier nestling stage. The adult stage is associated with the final moult that includes the complete transition to the bird's mature plumage, which happens much later in life. The poultry stage is not applicable in the context of wild hawks, as it refers more to domesticated birds, thus it is not relevant in this discussion.