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Merlin

Falco columbarius ORDER: FALCONIFORMES FAMILY: FALCONIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Merlin Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A small falcon of northern forests and prairies, the Merlin is the least well-marked of the American falcons. It is becoming a regular breeder in urban areas.

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Appearance

Hawks
Hawks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small hawk. Long, pointed wings. Long, banded tail. Faint mustache mark. Brown streaking on chest and belly. Back unmarked gray or brown.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female.

Range Map Help

Merlin Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult <em>richardsonii</em> subspecies
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    Adult richardsonii subspecies
    • Holding Horned Lark in talons
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Pawnee National Grasslands, Colorado, February 2000

Similar Species

  • American Kestrel is slightly smaller, has well defined face stripes, has light tail with dark tip or many thin bands, and has rufous on back.
  • Prairie Falcon is much larger, has a more defined facial pattern, lacks bands on tail, and has dark in base of underside of wings.
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk with shorter, more rounded wings.