MERLIN 31 



The female Merlin sits close at first, but if disturbed or 

 alarmed more than once, becomes extremely shy. The male 

 takes up a position near at hand, on the top of some emi- 

 nence, from whence he can perceive the approach of any 

 intruder, of which he gives notice by shrill cries of alarm. 



The eggs, which are usually laid in May, are four to six 

 in number; Bewick says six, and Temminck five or six. 

 They are blotted, particularly at the thicker end, with deep 

 reddish brown, to purplish red. Like the eggs of all the 

 Falcons they vary, however, much in colour. Some of the 

 varieties are often similar to those of the Kestrel or Pere- 

 grine, others to those of the Sparrow-Hawk, but still more 

 to those of the Hobby. 



