Merlin Falcon Falco columbarius
Aves > Falconiformes > Falconidae
Names in different Languages
| German | Merlin |
| English | Merlin Falcon |
| French | Faucon émerillon |
| Spanish | Esmerejón |
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
| 2020-12-07 | Champ des Possibles |