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Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
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

Lifelists

Trips

Visits

  • 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
    Image from 2009-12-05

  • 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 America
    Not 100% sure on ID. Lighter colored than prairie falcon, but soaring in the same way high up and far away.

  • 2015-10-28

    Parque Nacional Soberania, Panama

  • 2016-01-18

    Candlestick Park, United States of America

  • 2017-01-17

    Jones Beach, United States of America

  • 2018-12-29

    Carrizo Plain National Monument, United States of America

  • 2018-12-29

    San Luis Obispo - Laguna Lake, United States of America

  • 2018-12-30

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, United States of America

  • 2024-02-27

    Izumi - Crane Center, Japan
    Image from 2024-02-27

  • 2024-10-15

    Perija, Colombia

  • 2024-12-10

    Panoche Valley, United States of America

  • 2025-03-23

    Amazona Nest, Saint Vincent and Grenadines

  • 2025-03-24

    Amazona Nest, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
    Image from 2025-03-24

  • 2025-03-25

    Montreal Gardens, Saint Vincent and Grenadines