Merlin or Kestrel - Istanbul Turkey (1 Viewer)

[babuccu]

Hi everyone,

I photographed this raptor today in Istanbul Turkey. It flew just over me therefore I don’t have a clear overwing photo. I think it might be a merlin but I need help for distinguishing between common kestrel.

Thanks

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,
surprisingly difficult, at least for me, when flight action isnt judgable, but:
its a Merlin imo:

• shape and proportions on the thumbnail seems better for this than for Kestrel
• I get the feeling that the uniform buffish coloration seems better for this
• same with uniform, strongly barred underwings more similar to a Sparrowhawk than for a Kestrel
• bird seems to lack the broad terminal tail-band of female-typed Kestrel

 

[babuccu]

thanks a lot mr stöhr for the detailed analysis of this difficult photo.