MEKLIN. 57 



RAPTORES. FALC0N1DJE 



PLATE XII. 



MERLIN. 



Falco ^Esalon. 



This beautiful little bird, although widely distributed 

 throughout all the warm and temperate parts of Europe, 

 appears to be nowhere very abundant, especially in this coun- 

 try, if we may judge from the various conflicting accounts of 

 ornithologists and other observers respecting the season of 

 its appearance in different parts of England, the locality it 

 chooses for nidification, the colour of the eggs, and other 

 particulars. 



Bewick, although inhabiting the northern part of England, 

 where it is now known to breed, describes the female of this 

 species as the Merlin ; and the adult male, which he con- 

 siders a different species, under the designation of Stone 

 Falcon. This error has long since been set at rest ; but 

 other discrepancies still exist respecting some portions of its 

 history, which prove that the opportunities of observing its 

 habits are not very frequent. ' 



The Merlin may be distinguished from the Hobby when 

 flying by its less slender form, and by the greater length of 

 the tail in proportion to the wings. The same difference 

 exists between the Merlin and the Kestril, the latter having 

 a still longer tail and slower movements. 



