Merlins do not actually construct their own nests and rely on the nests left behind by other species such as crows or hawks. They nest in shrubs and small deciduous trees along semi-open areas such as riverbanks or windbreaks. Merlins primarily breed in the northern portion of the United States. Both males and females have a thin white eyebrow stripe. They range in color depending on location and subspecies however, the Prairie subspecies that is found in southern Texas is typically a lighter silver-grey color on top with a light underside streaked with reddish-brown. Profile by Maria Hart: Merlins are a small, compact, and stocky member of the falcon family. The best time to see a Merlin in our area is November to March. One year eleven were reported at this location. While Merlins may be found anywhere in our area during migration and our winter months, one of the more reliable locations that I have found them has been Bear Creek Park which has open parkland with scattered trees and denser woodlands and forest edges. In migration and winter they are found in similar habitat to their breeding habitat but are also found in coastal areas, grasslands, large parks, and marshes. Merlins feed primarily on small birds but also take large insects like dragonflies and small mammals including bats. Usually 4-5 eggs are laid, and it takes about 30 days for incubation. They have been known to nest in tree cavities and on cliffs but this is rare. Surprisingly, Merlins use the abandoned nests of other birds like crows, hawks, and ravens. They prefer open woodlands, fields with scattered groves of trees, and forest edges. Merlins breed in the forests of the northern U.S., Canada, and Alaska. Merlins are distinguished from Peregrines by their smaller size and different plumage pattern. In addition, Kestrels have more pronounced black facial stripes and reddish-brown backs. Merlins are slightly larger and have a stockier body when compared to an American Kestrel. As with some other birds, there are intermediate plumages and the immature birds may not look like the adult birds. On rare occasions we have the Prairie subspecies in our western regions. The breast and flanks of each of these subspecies are generally off-white with light brown to dark brown streaking. The Prairie birds have a pale gray back, and finally the Boreal or Taiga birds are most often blue-gray to dark gray on the back. The Merlins of the Pacific Northwest have dark brown to blackish backs. Like the other true falcons, Merlins have pointed wings, stocky bodies and a fast, powerful flight pattern. In North America we have three subspecies, and adults can often be separated in the field. Naturally, I enjoy every raptor species, but seeing one feisty falcon always excites me, and that is the Merlin. Peak time for most raptors is from mid-September to the first week of October. From early August to the end of October we have the greatest concentrations of hawks moving along our coast into Mexico, Central, and South America for the winter. Profile by Glenn Olsen: Fall bird migration includes warblers, songbirds, and shorebirds, but the most spectacular is hawk migration. Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon October through April. Preferred Habitat: Prairies and open areas Family: ( Falconidae) Falcons and Caracaras
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