Merlin
Falco columbarius
Summary 2
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a smallish falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. In North America, "pigeon hawk" is an old colloquial name. But although it is perhaps the most hawk-like living falcon as regards its habitus, as a member of family Falconidae the Merlin is actually no closer relative of hawks than of, for example, eagles and Old World vultures.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Raj Boora, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://www.flickr.com/photos/83482290@N00/2392366041
- (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falco_columbarius
