Merlin
Falco columbarius
Description
The Merlin is a small, compact, and powerful falcon that breeds across the northern forests and prairies of Alaska and Canada, Europe, and Asia. It winters from southern Canada to northern South America, and can occasionally be seen in Tennessee during migration, and rarely during the winter. Its former name was "pigeon hawk," likely because this falcon resembles a pigeon in flight.
This small falcon lacks the strong facial markings of other falcons. It has short, pointed wings, a long, banded tail, and brown streaking on the chest and belly. The back is solid gray in adults and brown in first-year birds. Females are noticeably larger than males.
Length: 10"
Wingspan: 24"
Weight: 6.5 oz
Similar Species: American Kestrels are slightly smaller and more delicate in appearance, with well-defined facial markings and a rusty, barred back. Kestrels will hover when foraging, whereas Merlins have a powerful, directional flight and do not hover. Sharp-shinned Hawks have rounded wings.
Habitat: In Tennessee, found in open areas and along rivers.
Diet: Mainly small and medium-sized birds, mostly caught in the air.
Nesting and reproduction: There are no known nesting records for this species in Tennessee.
Status in Tennessee: The Merlin is an uncommon migrant and rare winter resident across the state, arriving by mid-September and departing by late April.
