26 THE BIRDS OF SHERWOOD FOREST. 
which merlins habitually inhabit, account in some degree 
for their scarcity in comparison with the kestrel, their 
eggs and young being destroyed by weasels, rats, and 
other predatory animals; were it not so, I think we 
should find them more abundant, for both lay the same 
number of eggs, their food is equally plentiful, and when 
they are able to fly they are equally liable to the attacks 
of the same enemies; yet, after all, the kestrel isa hun- 
dred times more abundant than the merlin.* 
The merlin is a compact little bird, and, in fact, 
might be called a miniature peregrine, for it fully equals 
it in bcldness and spirit; though it does not secure its 
prey with the same dashing flight, yet it is quite as un- 
relenting in pursuit, and even more persevering, follow- 
ing it in all the efforts it makes to escape. It is not at 
all particular as to the size of its victim, a partridge or a 
linnet being pursued with equal ferocity, and I have 
known one shot whilst killing a skylark, its most favou- 
rite food. 
Every part of the district is frequented by the Kestrel, 
(F. tinnunculus), especially the more heathy parts of 
the forest, and it would be difficult at any time to go far 
without seeing one poised buoyantly on outstretched 
wings, with head depressed, and eyes eagerly scanning 
the ground below. It is to be deeply regretted that a 
bird which is at once an ornament to the landscape and 
a benefactor to the agriculturist should be so constantly 
persecuted. I have often tried to reason a keeper into 
the fact of the kestrel and the owl being his best allies 
* This discrepancy in the respective numbers of allied species is 
one of those facts we cannot account for, and can only acknowledge 
that it is so. 
