RAPTORS, FALCONS & OWLS
Lew Ulrey, West Bench neighborhood
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
Identification: 9-12� – Light-colored chest with dark barring or mottling, thin white eyebrow. Male (shown): Upperparts slate to dark gray. Female and juveniles: Brown. Habitat: Near rivers and lakes, residential areas. Timing: Fall through spring; rare in summer. Diet: Small to medium-sized birds caught in flight. Note: Sometimes hunts in pairs, confusing prey.
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