Which trap is specifically described as a wire cage covered with nooses for trapping small hawks?

The bal-chatri trap is designed specifically for trapping small hawks and is characterized by its unique construction. It consists of a wire cage that features numerous nooses or loops, which serve to ensnare the bird when it lands on the trap. The design of the bal-chatri is effective because the nooses are strategically placed to ensure that they can capture a hawk without causing injury, allowing for a humane trapping method.

In contrast, the other options do not fit this description. The phai-trap is typically used for different types of birds and does not employ the same noose mechanism. The bow-net is a large net often used to catch larger birds in a different manner, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism to ensnare them as they are flushed from cover. The harnessed pigeon, while utilized in falconry, serves as a live bait or lure and is not a trap itself. Therefore, the bal-chatri is the most accurate response to the question posed, as it directly relates to the trapping of small hawks with its specific design features.