What does the term 'brown hawk' refer to?

The term 'brown hawk' is commonly associated with a species that is typically characterized by its brown coloration, which can be misleading if confused with other birds. Among the choices presented, recognizing the brown hawk as an immature peregrine falcon reflects a common background understanding in avian nomenclature. Immature peregrine falcons aren't fully developed in their coloration and can display varying shades of brown, which may lead to the use of the term 'brown hawk' informally to describe them.

In contrast, mature golden eagles and new hawk species do not connect with the term in the same context, as golden eagles are distinct species with their own identification markers and a new species would not have historical references associated with the term. Moreover, while red-tailed hawks exist, they are specifically recognized by their distinctive coloration and markings that differ from those of a young peregrine falcon. This understanding reinforces the importance of recognizing juvenile plumage and the implications it has for identification in birds of prey.