Merlin Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
WEBMerlins 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 Fact Sheet – HawkWatch International
WEBPlumage. Merlin is dark-streaked underneath and uniformly darker on top. Almost all have dark tails with several narrow white bands. Sexes differ in adult plumage, but are similar in juveniles, which resemble adult females. Eyes are dark brown. Three races of Merlin: Taiga (Boreal forest), Prairie (Great Plains), and Black (Pacific Northwest).
Merlin - Description, Habitat, Image, Diet, and Interesting Facts
WEBMost Merlins weigh around 7 or 8 ounces. Their plumage is dark colored, and usually either brown or gray. Their undersides are also dark, but interspersed with cream colored dappling. Like all birds of prey, they have sharp curved beaks, and sharp talons.
Habitat use and foraging behaviour of urban Merlins in winter
WEBMar 23, 2009 · Habitat use and foraging behaviour of resident merlins (Falco columbarius) wintering in Saskatoon, Canada, were studied over a five-year period. Birds were trapped through the winter and selected...
WEBOct 3, 2019 · While a large majority of Merlins (Falco columbarius) wintering in California are of the nominate subspecies (F. c. columbarius), small numbers of the darker “Black” Merlin (F. c. suckleyi) and the paler “Prairie” Merlin (F. …
Habitat preferences and preyof Merlins in winter
WEBMethods The Merlin's small size and low, fast flight make it notoriously elusive in winter. Nevertheless, between 1965 and 1984, I recorded all Merlins seen from September to March and noted their plumage and habitat, hunting methods and choice of …
Merlin | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Learn Visit Join
WEBThe Merlin is one of 26 North American raptor species that are partial migrants. Like other falcons, Merlins often use flapping flight while migrating. The species also soars on mountain updrafts and on thermals, but apparently does not require them to complete its migratory journey.
Merlin - Falco columbarius - sdakotabirds.com
WEBThey may winter in nearly any habitat, as well as there's a strong supply of the bird species upon which they prefer to prey. Diet: Merlins mostly feed on small birds, but sometimes they will also take small mammals, insects, and reptiles.
Merlin | NatureSpot
WEBThe Merlin has the pointed wings of a Kestrel but is smaller and shorter tailed with dark duller plumage. It flies with great speed and agility using quick shallow wing-beats. At close range its moustache is less obvious than on any other British falcon.
Merlin - Hawk and Owl Trust
WEBHabitat and Distribution: During the breeding season, Merlin is a species of open upland and moorland habitats, although it will breed in open coniferous woodland as well. During the winter it is found over a much wider range of habitats including coastal areas, farmland and lowland heath.