Merlin (bird)
- Alternate uses, see Merlin.
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Merlin (
Falco columbarius) is a
falcon found throughout the northern parts of the
Northern hemisphere in
Canada and northern
Europe.
In
North America it was once known as the
pigeon hawk, and its scientific name (from
columba, a
dove) also refers to this popular prey item. However, the merlin is a
falcon, not a
hawk, so the old name is to be avoided.
This small
bird of prey is a bird of open country, such as moorland, taiga or
willow or
birch scrub. Like the larger
Peregrine falcon it will migrate to more temperate regions in winter in southern Europe or the southern
USA. In the mildest parts of its range, such as
Great Britain, it will desert higher ground and move to coasts and lowland.
Merlins will roost communally in winter, often with Hen Harriers.
The male has a blue-grey back and orange-tinted underparts. The female is dark brown above and whitish spotted with brown below. This species' small size distinguishes it from the Peregrine falcon.
Merlins rely on speed and agility to hunt their prey, which is mainly small birds such as larks and pipits.
In medieval Europe, merlins were popular in
falconry.
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