8 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



they make a harsh screaming noise, especially if captured, 

 when the parents join in the chorus with considerable 

 vigour. When fully fledged, the young birds resemble the 

 female most, but they are generally much lighter in colour. 

 In confinement they soon become very tame and familiar, 

 but seldom attain to any advanced age. 



In some parts of Great Britain the Merlin is called the 

 Stone Falcon a name probably suggested by the habit the 

 bird has of perching on large stones and rocks. 



It is said to be commonly met with in Denmark, 

 Sweden, Norway and other European counties. 



