Merlin

The Merlin is a small, stocky falcon, slightly larger and bulkier than an American Kestrel but with a much plainer, less patterned face lacking a strong moustache mark. Males are blue-gray above, while females and immatures are brown, and both sexes show heavy dark streaking on the underparts and a banded tail.

Unlike the Peregrine's high stoop, Merlins typically hunt with fast, low, direct pursuit flights, chasing down small birds in open terrain with sheer speed and persistence rather than a dramatic aerial dive.

Key Field Marks

• Compact, powerful build with heavily streaked underparts and a banded tail
• Males blue-gray above; females and immatures brown above
• Faint or absent facial moustache mark compared to other falcons
• Fast, low, direct flight, often chasing small birds close to the ground

Similar Species

• American Kestrel: smaller, more colorful with a rufous back and bold facial stripes.
• Peregrine Falcon: larger with a strong facial moustache mark and different hunting style (high stoops rather than low pursuit).

Range

Merlins breed across the boreal forest and open woodlands of Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States, wintering across much of the U.S., Mexico, and into Central and South America.

Habitat

Breeding habitat includes open boreal forest edges, tundra shrub, and parkland; in winter, Merlins are found in open country, coastlines, farmland, and increasingly cities, where they hunt flocking songbirds around parks and feeders.

Hunting

Merlins hunt with fast, low, aggressive pursuit flights, often surprising small birds by attacking from a concealed low approach and relying on speed and agility rather than height.

Voice

The call is a rapid, high-pitched chattering "ki-ki-ki," typically given near the nest or during interactions with other falcons.

Nesting

Merlins do not build their own nests, instead using old stick nests of crows or other raptors in trees, or nesting on the ground in open tundra habitat in some populations.