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.

Merlins breed in open and semiopen areas across northern North America. The boreal subspecies usually nests near forested openings, in fragmented woodlots, near rivers, lakes, or bogs, and on lake islands. The Pacific Northwest subspecies seems to nest mostly in coastal areas and along rivers.