Quick Answer
The merlin is considered a type of falcon, not a hawk. Specifically, it is a small species of falcon in the genus Falco. Merlins have several features that distinguish them as falcons rather than hawks.
What is a Merlin?
The merlin is a small species of falcon that lives in temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some key facts about merlins:
- Scientific name: Falco columbarius
- Average length: 9-12 inches
- Wingspan: 21-27 inches
- Weight: 5-8 ounces
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years in captivity
- Diet: Small birds and insects
- Notable features: Pointed wings, dark striped underside, yellow beak
Merlins are compact, powerful falcons with tapered wings and tails. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have distinct plumage. Males tend to be blue-grey on top with orange horizontal barring on their underside and tail. Females and young merlins are brown above with heavy streaking below.
These agile flyers rely on speed and stealth to hunt small bird prey like sparrows, starlings, larks, and shorebirds. They often catch prey in mid-air after a fast pursuit. Merlins live in open country across northern forests, grasslands, coasts, and mountains.
Difference Between Hawks and Falcons
Falcons and hawks are closely-related raptor species, but they belong to separate taxonomic groups. The main differences between hawks and falcons include:
Genus
- Hawks belong to genera such as Accipiter, Buteo, Circus, and Parabuteo
- Falcons belong to the genus Falco
Silhouette
- Hawks have broader wings and longer tails
- Falcons have pointed wings and tapered tails
Hunting
- Hawks frequent woodland and soar in search of prey
- Falcons live in open country and pursue prey in flight
Beaks
- Hawks have shorter, thicker hooked beaks
- Falcons have longer, thinner pointed beaks
So while hawks and falcons are both raptors adapted to hunting, they have distinct adaptations related to their prey and habitats. The key is that merlins fall under the taxonomic group Falco, exhibiting physical and behavioral traits specific to falcons.
Falcon Features of the Merlin
Merlins share many features characteristic of the falcon family:
Pointed Wings
Falcons have tapered, pointed wings which allow them to achieve incredible speeds in swift pursuit of prey while flying. Merlins have this classic falcon silhouette.
Long Tail
A long tail provides stability and aids falcons in agile maneuvering in flight. The merlin’s medium-length tail helps it rapidly change direction.
Yellow Beak
Merlins have the thin, hooked yellow beak typical of falcons, adapted for tearing flesh from the bone of avian prey.
Hunting Strategy
Merlins employ a catching strategy of fast horizontal pursuit against small bird prey. This contrasts with the soaring and ambush hunting more common among hawk species.
Habitat
While hawks favor woodland, merlins inhabit open country across temperate regions worldwide. This habitat aligns with where most other falcons are found.
Diet
A diet focused on small birds like sparrows reflects the typical avian prey preference among falcon species. Hawks have a more varied diet including small mammals.
So in terms of anatomy, hunting behavior, and habitat, merlins group with the falcons rather than hawks.
Comparison of Merlins, Hawks, and Falcons
This table summarizes some of the key traits contrasting merlins, hawks, and falcons:
Trait | Merlins | Hawks | Falcons |
---|---|---|---|
Genus | Falco | Accipiter, Buteo, etc. | Falco |
Wings | Long, pointed | Short, broad | Long, pointed |
Tail | Medium length | Long | Medium length |
Beak | Thin, hooked, yellow | Thick, black | Thin, hooked, yellow |
Hunting | Pursuit in flight | Soaring and ambush | Pursuit in flight |
Habitat | Open country | Woodland | Open country |
Diet | Small birds | Varied, mammals | Small birds |
So in nearly every way, from anatomy to behavior, the merlin matches up with typical falcon characteristics and differs from those of hawks. This supports categorizing the merlin as a falcon rather than a hawk.
Conclusion
The merlin is considered a type of falcon rather than a hawk based on taxonomic classification as well as physical features and hunting behavior. Specific traits that reveal its identity as a falcon include:
- Belonging to the genus Falco
- Having long, pointed wings and a medium-length tail
- Possessing a thin, hooked, yellow beak
- Hunting prey via swift horizontal pursuit in flight
- Living in open country habitats
- Eating small birds like sparrows
So while the merlin is a more compact, temperate-dwelling falcon species, it aligns more closely with other falcons than hawks in its anatomy and habits. Scientifically classifying the merlin as Falco columbarius confirms its status as a unique type of falcon rather than a hawk. So the answer is clear – merlins are falcons!