Falco columbarius

Description

This is a small, compact raptor. It has the length of a jay. Males are blue-gray above with broad black bands on a gray tail. Females and immatures are dark bron with a banded tail. Both adults and juveniles are heavily streaked below and appear dark from a distance.

Voice

A series of ki, ki, ki, ki, kee.

Habitat

They are found in open conifer forests, marshes, and coastal shorelines (when migrating).

Diet

They eat small woodland birds primarily, such as swallows and finches. They occasionally eat small mammals and other small animals.

Range

While found worldwide, in North America they are limited to the boreal areas of the continent. They are in Canada and the very northern areas of the U.S.

Other Useful Information

Except during the mating season, merlins are unsocial birds.

Similar Species

American kestrel and sharp-shinned hawk.