The term 'AERIE NESTLING' is a combination of two words, 'AERIE' and 'NESTLING'. An AERIE is a large nest built by birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and falcons, usually on a cliff or other high place. A NESTLING is a young bird that has recently hatched from an egg and is still in the nest. The crossword solution for this term is 'Eaglet', which is a young eagle. Eaglets are typically born in an AERIE nest and remain there until they are old enough to fly.