Merlins are small falcons with a powerful build that is broader and stockier than the slightly smaller American Kestrel. Merlins have sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, and a medium length tail. Slightly larger than an American Kestrel; less bulky than a Rock Pigeon.

More angular in shape than Kestrel, with broad-based wings, sharply pointed wing tips, shorter tail, and stocky chest. Compared to larger falcons, Merlin has shorter wings, smaller head, and narrow, short tail that does not taper towards tip.

Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds.

Size and Shape: Kestrel: Think larger than a robin-sized, slender and graceful with long tail and narrow wings. Merlin: Think mourning dove build, or miniature Peregrine Falcon, stockier and more compact with broader and pointier wings. Plumage:

Merlins are small, fierce falcons that use surprise attacks to bring down small songbirds and shorebirds. They are powerful fliers, but you can tell them from larger falcons by their rapid wingbeats and overall dark tones. Medieval falconers called them “lady hawks,” and noblewomen used them to hunt Sky Larks.

Aug 12, 2015 · Merlins have broad, pointed wings that are shorter than most falcons.

Note compact proportions with broad chest and broad-based, sharply pointed wings. Small, square-headed falcon. Female/immature "Prairie" Merlin from the central U.S. and Canada is pale brown with a thin eyebrow and pale brown streaks below. Stocky, compact falcon. Adults are heavily streaked below. Note square-tipped tail on perched birds.

In flight, the Merlin can be distinguished from the American Kestrel by its darker underparts and longer, broader wing shape; the barred tail of the Merlin distinguishes it in flight from its larger falcon relatives, the Prairie and Peregrine Falcons.

Merlins are extremely fast and agile, twisting and turning in the air as their chase small birds. They fly with faster wingbeats than other falcons, often followed by short glides where they hold their wings close to their bodies.

Although the wing tips are darker, they are also boldly spotted with white. Underneath they are fairly pale, with heavy streaking on the chest and belly, strongly barred wings and dark-tipped tail. Females and young birds are browner, with dark brown and rusty brown patterning.