A young bird that has grown its first set of full feathers and is learning to fly, but has not yet weaned off parental food.
Fledging is the developmental stage where wing feathers reach their adult length and the bird makes its first short flights. It marks the transition from nest-bound chick to independent juvenile.
Fledglings should not be sold as pets. They still need supplemental feeding, are easily injured by misjudged flights, and miss critical socialisation if handled by inexperienced humans during this period.
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