9.25-inch Merlin on Branch
This 9.25-inch Merlin on Branch carving was hand-crafted from solid Basswood. The widespread nominate race of Merlin, columbarius, which breeds in the Taiga Region is intermediate in the gray-blue plumage. The western columbarius> sub-species average slightly paler than the eastern. In flight, the strongly barred tail distinguishes the Merlin from the much larger Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The under-parts and under-wings are darker than in Kestrels, particularly in suckley and columbarius, and the head is larger. Nests in open woods or wooded prairies; otherwise it is found in a variety of habitats. The Merlin is a powerful flyer and does not hover. It catches birds in flight by a sudden burst of speed rather than by diving. Merlins also eat large insects and small rodents. Many individuals in the Prairie Provinces do not migrate but winter in or near cities.
Reference
National Geographic Field Guide To The Birds of North America, Fifth Edition, Page 138
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