Name of Bird:
Merlin

Species:
Falcon Columbarius

Physical Characteristics

Slightly larger than kestrels Merlins appear uniformly dark. Males are lighter than females. They have slightly blue wings and back, dark head and dull facial markings. The underside is rufous with dark streaks. The tail is gray with a dark terminal band. Females are uniformly
brown with light brown undersides.

Habitat Description

The Merlin nests are found in forest or scrublands witch are broken up by areas in which to hunt. Merlins have started appearing in the Prairie Provinces of Canada most in Edmonton and Saskatoon. The past 2 or 3 years Merlins have started nesting in Duluth, MN where up to 5 pairs have been reported.

Diet

Merlins feed primarily on small to medium size birds, but will take insects, rodents and small lizards. They have been known to take birds, as large as pigeons but more often small passerine or shorebirds weighing less than 50 grams.

By,
Mackenzie

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