MERLIN. 91 
spotted in the same manner on both webs; tail, dark brown, 
barred with five distinct bands composed of pale reddish brown 
spots; the tip is reddish or greyish white: there are three other 
bars near the base; under tail coverts, partially streaked with 
a narrow brown line near the end; legs, dull yellow, the 
feathers marked with a brown streak. 
The males vary in colour as they advance in age, the blue 
on the back being tinged with brown at first, and becoming 
gradually of a purer hue. In some specimens also the breast 
is of a light yellowish red, and in others deep orange brown. 
In some the tail is without the dark bands, except the last 
and broadest one; and in others the middle feathers are without 
them, while they are apparent on the rest. 
The females differ less than the males, but assume more 
of the character of the plumage of the latter, especially on 
the upper parts, as they advance in age, 
