Merlin (bird) - Wikipedia
The merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, [2] with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic ; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter.
Merlin | Audubon Field Guide
At a Glance. A rather small falcon, compact and fast-flying, the Merlin is a common breeder across the northern forests of North America and Eurasia. It feeds mostly on small birds, capturing them in mid-air in rapid pursuit. The Merlin is generally found in wild places, but since about 1960 it has become a common urban bird in several towns on ...
Merlin Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Small but powerfully built falcon with compact body and long tail. Note heavy dark streaking on underparts and lack of a strong "mustache" mark on the face. "Black" Merlin, which breeds from Alaska to Washington, is very dark overall—almost black—with a pronounced mustache.
ADW: Falco columbarius: INFORMATION
This subspecies winters in southern California, northern Mexico, and southern Texas. Falco columbarius suckleyi is found in the northwestern coastal regions from northern California to Sitka, Alaska.
Merlin | Physical Features, Habitat & Behavior | Britannica
Merlin, (Falco columbarius), small falcon found at high latitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Adult males have slate-blue backs with finely streaked underparts; females and immature birds have brown backs; all have a tail with narrow white bands. During most of the year merlins inhabit open.
Merlin - Falco columbarius - Birds of the World
Mar 4, 2020 · Merlin Falco columbarius Scientific name definitions. LC Least Concern; Names (64) Subspecies (9)
Merlin (Falco columbarius) - iNaturalist
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter.
Merlin Falco columbarius - eBird
Small and fierce falcon. Dark above and paler below, with streaking on the underparts; darkness of plumage varies geographically. Feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Found in a variety of habitats from grasslands, open forests, and especially coastal areas with shorebirds.
Merlin Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Merlins are small, fierce falcons that use surprise attacks to bring down small songbirds and shorebirds. They are powerful fliers, but you can tell them from larger falcons by their rapid wingbeats and overall dark tones. Medieval falconers called them “lady hawks,” and noblewomen used them to hunt Sky Larks.
Merlin | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Nov 22, 2022 · Merlins (Falco columbarius) are compact, fast-flying falcons. Many of their meals consist of small songbirds, shorebirds, large insects and even bats. With rapid, powerful wing strokes, Merlins often catch their prey in mid-flight.
Merlin Bird Facts | Falco Columbarius - The RSPB Wildlife Charity
The UK's smallest bird of prey, this compact, dashing falcon has a relatively long, square-cut tail and rather broad-based pointed wings. Find out more.
Merlin (Falco columbarius) - BirdLife species factsheet
The population size is extremely large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a …
Merlin (Falco columbarius) - MERL - Birds of North America
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities. Species: The Merlin (Falco columbarius), once known as the "Pigeon Hawk", feeds mostly on small birds, larger insects and some mammals.
Merlin - The Wildlife Trusts
Scientific name: Falco columbarius. Our most diminutive falcon, the merlin is a pretty bird of prey. It chases small birds, flying low to the ground or hovering in the breeze because of its small size. Resident merlins are joined in winter by Icelandic migrants.
Merlin Bird Facts (Falco columbarius) | Birdfact
The Merlin is a compact falcon with a stocky build and pointed wings. Males display blue-grey upperparts, while females are brown above. Both sexes have streaked underparts, with males showing rufous barring and females having heavier brown streaking. Juveniles resemble adult females but have a brown tail with narrow pale bands.
Merlin - Photos, facts, and identification tips
Merlin (Falco columbarius) Information on the habitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration and conservation status of this falcon. Includes range map, photos, and the calls of this bird.
Merlin Life History, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Like other falcons, the Merlin is a strong and maneuverable flier. A typical flight speed is 30 miles per hour, and can be faster during chases. Despite their small size, Merlins look powerful in flight; they flap their wings faster than Prairie or Peregrine falcons.
Merlin - Falco columbarius - sdakotabirds.com
Merlin - Falco columbarius - Species Information and Photos, including id keys, habitat, diet, behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status.
Merlin Falcon Guide (Falco columbarius) - Birding Insider
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a species within the genus Falco, which is a group of birds of prey that also include about 40 other species that are scattered all around the world. Falcons are characterized by fast flight (sometimes very fast!), very sharply pointed wingtips, and a preference for eating other birds, which they catch in flight.
Merlin - American Bird Conservancy
Scientific Name: Falco columbarius ; Population: 1.5 million; Trend: Increasing; Habitat: Open forest and edge, tundra, tree-dotted range and prairie, suburbs and cities; outside breeding season, open country, both coastal and inland