What does it mean if a raptor is termed 'imprinted'?

When a raptor is termed 'imprinted,' it means that the bird has been fully reliant on humans due to hand-raising. This process typically occurs when chicks are reared by humans rather than by their parents during the critical early stages of development. As a result, these birds may develop a strong attachment to humans and may not exhibit the same natural behaviors and instincts as their wild counterparts. Imprinting can affect their ability to hunt or survive independently in the wild, making them more dependent on their human caretakers for food and care.

This underscores the definition of imprinting in the context of bird psychology and behavior. It highlights how crucial early interactions are for certain species, particularly in raptors, where social and hunting behaviors are often learned from parents. The other options describe scenarios that do not relate directly to the specific concept of imprinting in birds of prey.