Beak of the Week – Merlin

Merlins are small falcons that can be found throughout much of both the eastern and western hemispheres. Their name comes from the Old French name for this bird, esmerillon. They are slightly larger than American Kestrels, and are gray/brown above and white below with dark streaks. Their tails are dark with contrasting white bands. Males and females are rather distinct from each other: males are smaller than females, and average grayer and less brown above.

During the winter, Texas hosts two subspecies of Merlin: Taiga Merlins, which breed in the boreal forest; and Prairie Merlins, which breed in prairies and other open areas of the central U.S. and southern Canada. Prairie Merlins are noticeably paler than their Taiga cousins, and tend to winter farther north; they generally winter in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, while Taiga Merlins may winter as far south as northern South America.

Merlins can be found in a variety of open habitats that provide them opportunities for hunting. Their primary prey are small and medium-sized birds. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary are great places to see these fierce, impressive falcons!