merryslug
Well-known member
I identified a bird today to a coworker as probably a Merlin, and was promptly laughed at by another who said that "Merlin" was old-school terminology for Peregrine Falcons - that they were the same bird.
This didn't sound right to me but as this person could be described as NEVER WRONG (at least in his mind), I shut up and went home to do some research.
From what I've gathered, Merlins are smaller 'cousins' of Peregrines - closely related and even able to hybridize (Perlin anyone?) - but a separate species.
Before I challenge Sir Never Wrong, I'd love some input from other birders. Was there a time when these two were lumped together, but then later de-lumped? Are they considered interchangeable in some conditions?
Thanks in advance for any input!
This didn't sound right to me but as this person could be described as NEVER WRONG (at least in his mind), I shut up and went home to do some research.
From what I've gathered, Merlins are smaller 'cousins' of Peregrines - closely related and even able to hybridize (Perlin anyone?) - but a separate species.
Before I challenge Sir Never Wrong, I'd love some input from other birders. Was there a time when these two were lumped together, but then later de-lumped? Are they considered interchangeable in some conditions?
Thanks in advance for any input!