Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

What type of bird is described by being able to hop and flutter but not fully fly?

1. A fledgling

2. An altricial bird

3. A precocial bird

4. A brancher

The correct answer is: A fledgling

A fledgling is a young bird that is in the process of developing its flying abilities. At this stage, fledglings have usually left the nest but are not fully capable of sustained flight. They often exhibit behaviors such as hopping around and fluttering from place to place but lack the strength and coordination necessary for proper flying, which characterizes this life stage. In contrast, altricial birds are those that hatch in a relatively undeveloped state and require significant parental care before they can fly. Precocial birds, on the other hand, are more mature and capable of movement shortly after hatching, often being able to walk or run. A brancher refers specifically to a fledgling that clings to the branches of trees while still unable to fly well, but it does not encompass the full definition and behaviors associated with fledglings. Thus, the description refers specifically to fledglings' unique state of development.