The Merlin — Falco Æsalon, Tunstall
On moorlands and cliffs by the sea-shore, the Merlin is tolerably abundant from Wales northwards, but in the south of England it is rarely seen. The nest is a mere “scrape” among the heather, or when near the sea-coast a former Crow’s nest on a cliff is frequently appropriated, and it has been known to lay its eggs in old nests on trees. The eggs are very like those of the Hobby and Kestrel, from which they can with difficulty be distinguished.
The Merlin preys almost entirely on small birds; its flight is very swift and powerful and it is very bold, attacking birds as large as itself. Larks and Thrushes are its favourite prey, and on the sea-shore it is very fond of Dunlins and other kinds of Sandpipers.
Resident with us throughout the year, it nevertheless wanders about a good deal during the winter and becomes generally distributed, but the adults for the most part remain near their breeding haunts.
The adult male is slate grey on the back, throat white, under parts buffish, striped with dark brown. Length 11 in.; wing 7·8 in.
The female is browner above and with pale under parts. She is also rather larger than the male. The young resemble the female but they are more rufous in tint.