Merlin ((Falco columbarius)

The Merlin was formerly called the "Pigeon Hawk".   The Merlin preys on birds, caught in flight, usually from a sudden, dashing burst of speed rather than by diving.  They also eat eat large insects and small rodents.

It is best known in Canada, as a migrant along larger rivers and coastal marshes.  Somewhat uncommon, they are seen as scattered singles, but sometimes seen in fair numbers along coastlines during migration.   It is very abundant during migrations of shorebirds, warblers, sparrows and other small birds upon which it feeds.

Many individuals in the Canadian prairie provinces do not migrate but concentrate near or in cities in winter.

This small falcon is aggressive and swift, harassing larger hawks ands gulls and attacking intruders near its nest.

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BarrytheBirder