Is this a merlin? (1 Viewer)

J

jeen1965

Well-known member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #1

I saw this one along a river and it looked like a merlin to me. Is it a merlin? -thanks-Jeen.

 

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SJC

Well-known member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #2

Looks good for Merlin

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Dec 15, 2014

• #3

American Kestrel for me

 

P

P.Sunesen

Well-known member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #4

Yes, Merlin it is.

Peter

 

P

Pyrrhosoma

Active member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #5

Agree Merlin

 

kgbpasha

Uber User

• Dec 15, 2014

• #6

The reddish/brown back and its apparent small size (though not much to contrast against) makes me go with American Kestrel.

 

RafaelMatias

Unknown member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #7

It's a Merlin.

 

nartreb

Speak softly and carry a long lens

• Dec 15, 2014

• #8

American Kestrel would have a double "mustache", rufous cap, and stippled, more rufous back. It's some other falcon.

That would leave Merlin - unless a young Peregrine is possible?

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• Dec 15, 2014

• #9

Merlin. Am Kestrel has a longer tail and the 'spots' on the flank tend to be black on a pale background, not white on a dark background as well as the points raised by nartreb.

 

KenM

Well-known member

• Dec 15, 2014

• #10

It's a Merlin possibly a 1st Winter, the pale nape patch can be found on other immature Falcons/Accips. American Kestrel apart from having more rufous upper-parts, would not have the wing structure as shown on the OP's bird.

Cheers