Merlin (Falco columbarius)
About Merlin (Falco columbarius)
- Kingdom: Animals
- Phylum: Chordates
- Class: Birds
- Order: Pelicans
- Family: Falcons and Caracaras
The merlin 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. The merlin has for centuries been well regarded as a falconry bird.
Source: Wikipedia
Visits
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2006-10-08
Marin Headlands, United States of America -
2007-01-13
Suisun Marsh, United States of America -
2009-12-05
Downtown, United States of America -
2012-12-06
Solano County Farmlands, United States of America -
2013-04-19
Anahuac NWR (UTC 049), United States of America -
2014-01-12
Pier 94, United States of America -
2015-01-04
Del Puerto Canyon and Mines Road, United States of AmericaNot 100% sure on ID. Lighter colored than prairie falcon, but soaring in the same way high up and far away. -
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2017-01-17
Jones Beach, United States of America -
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2024-02-27
Izumi - Crane Center, Japan -
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