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Merlin Falcon Falco columbarius

Merlin Falcon Falco columbarius

Aves > Falconiformes > Falconidae

Names in different Languages

GermanMerlin
EnglishMerlin Falcon
FrenchFaucon émerillon
SpanishEsmerejón

Description

Small falcon, present in North America and Eurasia, preying mostly on other small birds. It is a migratory species spending winter in the southern North America or Central America. Merlins living in urban areas may remain over winter and not migrate.

How to Identify

Looks very similar to Peregrine Falcon. Distinguished characteristics are the beak proportions, colour of breast feathers and eyebrows.

Where When to Spot

My first observation of this species happened early December within the streets of Montreal, sitting on a tree, eating prey. A second observation happened not far from the first place, a few years later in January 2023.

Photos

Videos

Observations

2020-12-07Champ des Possibles