- Comments:
Merlins are pigeon-sized falcons with facial markings much less distinct than other
falcons. The backs of females and immatures are dark brown while males are slate-gray.
Their breasts are boldly streaked and their tails have broad, dark bands.
- Distribution:
Merlins are highly migratory. Some winter as far south as Peru. In Kansas, merlins
are an uncommon visitor during the fall, winter and spring. They breed in Alaska, Canada
and along the northern border of the United States.
- Food:
Their main food consists of small to medium-sized birds. Occasionally they will
take small rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects. They hunt from perches, low level
flights and by surprise attacks by stooping from higher elevations. Sometimes they fly
into the midst of a flock of small birds to try to get a bird to break away from the
flock, making it an easy target.
Other Kansas Falcons
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