Merlin

Falco columbarius

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

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About the Merlin

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, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters, which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds. In recent decades, merlin populations in North America have been significantly increasing, with some merlins becoming so well adapted to city life that they forgo migration; in Europe, populations increased up to about 2000, but have been steady subsequently.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Falco columbarius
Family: Falcons and Caracaras
Order: Falconiformes

Similar species

Other members of the falcons and caracaras family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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