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Merlin
Falco columbarius
(F. c. aesalon)
| Armenian Name: | Աղավնաբազե |
|---|
See Plate 12 for Merlin and other similar species See Plate 15 for Merlin and other similar species in flight
| Flight Characteristics: | Relatively short pointed wings with numerous dark bars below. Faint facial marks. Male: pale blue-gray above; tail has grayish base and wide subterminal band. Female: brownish above with boldly-banded tail. Flies with rapid wingbeats low over open ground. |
|---|---|
| Resident Status: | Migrant, Winter Visitor |
| Abundance: | Rare |
| Length: | 25-30 cm, Wing Span:50-62 cm |
| Distribution Map: | Map 56. |
| Description: | Falcon with short pointed wings and long tail; lacks distinct facial pattern. Male is pale blue-gray above with dark primaries; light orange with black streaks below. Female is brown-gray, markedly larger, with a prominently-banded tail. |
| Similar Species: | Female differs from Peregrine Falcon by smaller size and lack of bold mustache mark. |
| Behavior: | Very agile. Flies swiftly and low over ground to surprise birds; persists in chasing after prey if first attempts at capture are unsuccessful. |
| Habitat: | Open country. |
| Food: | Small birds. |
