MERLIN . 365 



narrower, and preceded by four still narrower pale grey bars on a bluish 

 ground. In both sexes the bare membrane at the base of the beak and 

 the legs are yellow, while the eyes are dark. Except that their general 

 tone of colour is more rufous, immature birds resemble the females. 



The breeding-range of the merlin includes the cooler regions of 

 the northern hemisphere, from Iceland and the Faroes in the west to 

 Siberia in the east, but does not apparently embrace Kamchatka. 

 Indeed, in travelling eastward from Europe a gradual diminution in 

 the numbers of the species is noticeable as Siberia is traversed. In 

 the main, the merlin is a mountain-bird, and in winter visits China, 

 the western Himalaya, as well as Sind and the Punjab, the Medi- 

 terranean countries, and the north-eastern districts of Africa. It is 

 known to occur so far north as Novaia Zemlia, but its breeding-range 

 in this direction is probably limited by the 57th parallel of latitude or 

 thereabouts. In the British Isles, where it is locally known as the 

 stone-falcon, the merlin is a resident species, which nests for the most 

 part in hilly and mountainous districts from the moors of Derbyshire 

 and the peaks of North Wales to the Shetlands, as well as in many 

 parts of Ireland. In the winter such members of the species as do not 

 seek a milder climate by migrating south, descend to the plains and 

 valleys, returning to their upland haunts towards the end of March or 

 early in April, and commencing the business of la\-ing about the 

 middle of May. 



Although few falcons have, for their size, greater courage and 

 audacity than the merlin, which literally flies down its prey by sheer 

 speed, the attacking powers of the species have been considerably 

 exaggerated. It is, for instance, preposterous to imagine that a falcon 

 of which the female only weighs 7 oz. and her partner an ounce or 

 so less can be capable of striking down such a powerful and weight}' 

 bird as an adult grouse. That merlins do, however, inflict a certain 

 amount of damage on young grouse, cannot be denied ; and it is 

 also certain that they will now and again strike down a snipe, while 

 to small birds of the size of a lark the\' are most deadly foes, feeding 

 indeed chiefly on prey of the latter description. A certain proportion 

 of insects is, however, consumed during summer. Merlins breed on 

 the ground, returning year after year to the same haunt with singular 

 pertinacity. The nest is usually placed in a hollow, which is lined 

 with a few roots, dried grass, or heather, and contains at the proper 

 season four or five, or occasionally six rounded eggs of the usual falcon 

 type, measuring a little more or a little less than i^ inches in length. 

 Except when soaring preparatory to a swoop, merlins fly low ; and in 



