(Falco columbarius)
The family Falconidae comprises 58 species, of which the true falcons are especially fast, strong fliers. The upper bill has one or more horny "teeth" which facilitate the tearing of flesh. Seven species breed in North America. True falcons have long pointed wings and long tails and areamong the fastest-flying birds in the world. They mainly inhabit open country, and many pursue birds on the wing.
The Merlin, Falco columbarius, is the smallest of the European falcons. In America the American Kestrel is smaller. The adult male is about 11 inches long, slate-bluegrey above, with red-brown, heavily streaked underparts and an almost white throat. The female, measuring 13 inches with a wingspan of 25 inches, is brownish grey above, creamy below and has a rusty yellow nape. It inhabits northern Europe, Asia, and northern North America. In tundra and moorland it generally nests on the ground or on rocks. Unlike other birds of prey, true falcons do not build nests of their own but utilize other birds' nests or lay eggs in hollow trees, on cliffs or on the ground. The eggs, which usually number four or five, are thickly and evenly covered with reddish-brown stippling and are laid in early May, with only one brood.The Merlin frequents sea cliffs and coastal dunes or, at times, open country and low-lying coastal areas. It occurs throughout North America on migration, wintering south to South America. The Merlin was formerly called the Pigeon Hawk. The plumage varies geographically from a very dark form of the Pacific Northwest to the pale form of Central Canada and the Great Plains. Generally an uncommon species, it is very local in the southernparts of its breeding range and rare in winter. In Britain the Merlin is present throughout the year. Not a commmon bird, and decreasing in number it nests in Scotland, northern England, Wales, the southwest of England, and Ireland where suitable habitat occurs. The total population is probably now well under 500 pairs. It preys on birds, caught in flight, usually by a sudden burst of speed rather than by diving. Also eats large insects and small rodents.
The Merlin is a swift and aggressive bird, harassing larger hawks and gulls and attacking intruders that approach its nest. As with other falcons, the female begins incubating as soon as the first egg is laid so the young hatch at intervals; when food is scarce, the larger young are fed first. Unfortunately, the smaller ones sometimes die of starvation. Whereas this does seem cruel, it ensures that some young will be raised successfully even in difficult times.
