What is a raptor that does not naturally occur in California called?

A raptor that does not naturally occur in California is referred to as non-native. This term specifically designates species that are not originally from a particular region. In this context, a non-native raptor would be one that has not evolved or existed in California's ecosystems naturally, often due to environmental factors or historical distribution patterns.

In terms of classification, non-native species can include those that may be introduced for various reasons, such as falconry, conservation efforts, or other human activities, but these species do not have an established, self-sustaining population in the wild in California. Understanding the distinction between non-native and other terms used in wildlife classification is important, as it influences conservation strategies and ecological management practices.

Other terms provided do not align as closely with the concept of species distribution. For instance, exotic may refer to species that are unusual or foreign but does not specifically denote their absence from the region. Hybrid refers to offspring resulting from the interbreeding of two different species or subspecies, which doesn’t apply to the context of natural occurrence. Captive bred refers to animals raised in controlled environments, typically for purposes such as zoos or falconry, rather than the natural occurrence of species in the wild.