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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXXIX
Field-journal plate: Merlin
The Merlin plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXXIX

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Falconidae · Taxon 4672

Length24–30 cm (9.4–11.8 in)
Wingspan53–68 cm (20.9–26.8 in)
Weight160–240 g (5.6–8.5 oz)

Field marks

  1. Compact, stocky falcon with a broad chest and blocky head
  2. Adult males slaty gray above; females and immatures predominantly brown
  3. Pale buff-to-cream underparts with heavy dark streaking
  4. Short hooked blue-gray bill, deep-brown eyes, and yellow cere and legs
  5. Broad-based wings tapering to sharp points
  6. Dark, square-tipped tail crossed by narrow whitish bands

HabitatOpen and semi-open country, including forest edges and clearings, grasslands, marshes, coasts, shrublands, and developed areas with suitable trees or exposed hunting perches.

BehaviorA swift, powerful aerial hunter that scans from exposed perches, then pursues small birds with rapid, stiff wingbeats and catches them in midair. Usually solitary outside the breeding season and seldom soars.

Palette

slate graydark brownbuff creamwhiteyellow