Merlins are small falcons with a powerful build that is broader and stockier than the slightly smaller American Kestrel. Merlins have sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, and a medium length tail. Slightly larger than an American Kestrel; less bulky than a Rock Pigeon.

Identify the birds you see or hear with Merlin Bird ID. Free global bird guide with photos, sounds, maps, and more.

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, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in …

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.

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.

Found in a variety of habitats from grasslands, open forests, and especially coastal areas with shorebirds. Flies powerfully on pointed wings with quick, continuous wingbeats. Learn more about Merlin from… Small and fierce falcon. Dark above and paler below, with streaking on the underparts; darkness of plumage varies geographically.

The UK's smallest bird of prey, this compact, dashing falcon has a relatively square-cut tail and rather broad-based pointed wings, shorter than those of other falcons. Its wingbeat tends to be rapid with occasional glides, wings held close to the body.

The Merlin is a formidable bird-hunter that ploughs into murmurations of starlings and clouds of sandpipers at speeds over 30 miles per hour.

Mar 9, 2023 · Merlins (Falco columbarius) are small and versatile falcons found in the Holarctic. They are swift, acrobatic fliers that often hunt on the wing. In North America, there are three Merlin subspecies, so identifying them can be a bit of a headache. However, worry not, for we cover the basics here!

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.