Merlin (Falco columbarius)

 
                                                                                       Photos by BarrytheBirder

Kenn Kaufman describes this bird as: 'A compact, dashing falcon, very fast and direct in flight".   They are found across Canada, in the U.S. and Mexico.  They are usually uncommon, seen as scattered singles, but sometimes in fair numbers, as along coastlines in migration.

Male is blue-gray above, females brown; both are streaked below.   They are much smaller than the Peregrine and Prairie Falcons.   They are powerful flyers, and do not hover.   They catch birds in flight.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder