The Merlin is a small falcon of open country or forested edge. Although about the same size as an American Kestrel, the Merlin is a bird-hunter, taking whichever small bird is locally abundant. Depending upon race, the male has pale blue-gray (Prairie race) , medium blue-gray Taiga) or blackish (Black) upperparts. Its underparts are lightly streaked in the Prairie race to very heavily streaked in the Black race. It has a conspicuously banded tail, the main field mark for this species. Seen from below, the dark underwings are heavily spotted with white to tawny, the latter especially evident on females and immatures. The female and immature are similar but with brown replacing the blue-gray or black. The Merlin has a diagnostic direct flight pattern with strong wing beats. It is also very vocal especially around the nest, and very pugnacious, often attacking and harassing other birds, even other birds of prey.
SIZE
The Merlin is the second smallest falcon in North America and one of the smallest hawks on the continent. Females are noticeably larger than males. Lengths average 11 inches (29 centimeters) for females and 10 inches (26 centimeters) for males. Wingspans average 25 inches (64 centimeters) for females and 22 inches (57 centimeters) for males. Weights average 7.4 ounces (210 grams) for females and 5.4 ounces (155 grams) for males.
MORPHS
Although the three subspecies differ in color, and each sex has its own plumage, there are no morphs. Immatures of all races are similar, if not identical, to adult females.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
Adult Male Prairie (richardsonii) - Perched
- like a very pale version of the Taiga
- light blue-gray back
- fine brown streaks on underparts
- moustache absent or faint
- tail bands are pale blue-gray on top of tail, white on underside
- three or four alternating white and gray to dark bands on tail; widest at tip
- leg feathers are a pale rusty-orange
Adult Female Prairie (richardsonii) - Perched
- like Taiga adult female and similar to Prairie adult male; back is a light sandy-brown with grayish hue
- white to creamy leg feathers
- underparts streaked reddish-brown
- brown tail with three or four wide bands; white terminal tip to tail
- pale tail bands are wider than in other Merlin races
Immature Prairie (richardsonii) - Perched
- like Prairie female
- tail like adult female Prairie
SIMILAR SPECIES
In size, the Merlin closely resembles both the American Kestrel and the European Kestrel (vagrant in North America) but lacks the rusty plumage of either species. The Peregrine Falcon is larger than the Merlin. The Peregrine Falcon also shows a prominent moustache mark on the cheek and, in adults, usually a pale breast contrasting with a barred lower chest and belly. Immature Peregrine Falcons from the Northwest are dark like the Black Merlin and may be distinguished when perched by a heavy mustache (helmet-like) and wing tips that reach the tip of the tail. The Prairie Falcon is superficially similar to the pale Prairie Merlin but is larger, has black "wing pits" and median coverts and a dark mustache. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is similar in size but is an accipiter, flying in a characteristic flap-flap-flap-glide style. It has short, rounded wings red or yellow eyes, and equal width light and dark tail bands.
OTHER NAMES
The Merlin was formerly known as the Pigeon Hawk. The Taiga Merlin (F.c. columbarius) is also known as the "Eastern Merlin" (formerly Eastern Pigeon Hawk) and "Northern Merlin." The Black Merlin (F.c. suckleyi) is also known as "Suckley's Merlin." The Prairie Merlin (F.c. richardsonii) is also known as "Richardson's Merlin."
ETYMOLOGY
The scientific name Falco columbarius translates into "sickle" (from the Latin falx) and "pertaining to a dove or pigeon" (from the Latin columbarius). This refers to the Merlin's supposed resemblance to a pigeon in flight.
MYTHOLOGY
The Merlin does not appear in mythology in North America.
VOICE
The Merlin has a limited vocal repertoire. The "ki-ki-ki" or "kek-kek-kek" call is repeated rapidly in a number of territorial or aggressive situations, by either sex, becoming more rapid and intense with increasing agitation. During courtship, both sexes "chutter" when ready to mate. The female gives a "whine" while food-begging from the male. An indefinite series of "tic" or chip calls can be given in courtship or when mates are out of sight of each other. The male's voice is higher than the females in these vocalizations. When cold, nestlings "peep", and when alarmed they "chirp".
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