These birds are in the scientific family Falconidae 

MERLIN

Very small  and fast

Once called the “pigeon hawk”

Pointed angular wings

Fast wing beat,

Long narrow tail


Quick Identification tips:

·      The Merlin is the only raptor with multiple narrow tail bands

·      Small size

·      Merlin are speedy and powerful in their flight.


KESTREL

Small size

brownish falcon with grey head and two black vertical line markings on each side of its face

white and black tail bands  tail bands

Live in urban areas

Quick Identification tips:

·      Often seen perched on trip tops along highways.

·      No other bird of prey has a rusty colored back and tail

·      The two vertical black stripes on its face help indentify it differently from the Merlin.

·      The Kestrel has a bouncy flight.  They flap several times with only very occasional glides.