Based on its plumage, the Red-shouldered Hawk that's been hunting in our 
yard lately isn't an adult; presumably it fledged in 2007. So how should I 
describe this bird -- "juvenile"? "immature"? maybe even "subadult"? 
Different references seem to use different terms for the same thing.

Can anyone explain the precise meaning of these terms, and how they apply to 
various families of birds? Thanks.

Janet Millenson
Potomac, MD (Montgomery County)

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"Look at the birds!" -- Pascal the parrot