Falcons

Merlin, Falco columbarius

Family Falconidae (Falcons)

Size: 10"–12" (females larger than males)

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open country, woodland edges, coastlines, farmland

The merlin is a pugnacious, stocky falcon, slightly larger and heavier than a kestrel, with pointed wings and a short, stubby bill. Three subspecies are recognized and vary by the degree of dark coloration. In general, the upperparts are some shade of gray (in males) or brown (in females) with variable amounts of light- to dark-brown streaking. Light individuals have only a faint moustachial patch, while dark individuals may have a mostly dark head. Merlins pursue small birds in direct, powerful flight or in sudden stoops. The adult male is illustrated.