Pigeon Hawk | John James Audubon's Birds of America John James Audubon's Birds of America Plate 92 Pigeon Hawk The Pigeon Hawk ranges very extensively over the United States, and extends its migrations far beyond their limits on either side. Mr. TOWNSEND found it on the Rocky Mountains, as well as along the shores of the Columbia river. Dr. RICHARDSON mentions it as not uncommon about York Factory, in latitude 57 degrees, and it is not improbable that it wanders farther, as he speaks of having seen a small Hawk on the north shore of Great Bear Lake, in latitude 66 degrees, which may have been a male as small as the one represented in my plate. I found it very abundant in the Texas early in May, when I shot as many as five on a small island in a short time. Mr. HUTCHINS's description of the eggs of this bird, which he says are white, and from two to four in number, as well as the situation of its nest, as given in his Notes on the Hudson's Bay Birds, is greatly at variance with my own observations.

The eggs in these instances, which occurred at Labrador, were five; they measured an inch and three-quarters in length, an inch and a quarter in breadth, and were rather elongated; their ground colour a dull yellowish-brown, thickly clouded with irregular blotches of dull dark reddish-brown. In that country they are laid about the first of June. In the beginning of July I found five in a nest that were ready to be hatched. The nests were placed on the top branches of the low firs peculiar to that country, about ten or twelve feet from the ground, and were composed of sticks, slightly lined with moss and a few feathers. At this season the old birds evinced great concern respecting their eggs or young, remaining about them, and shewing all the tokens of anger and vexation which other courageous species exhibit on similar occasions. The young are at first covered with yellowish down; but I had no opportunity of watching their progress, as all that were taken on board the Ripley died in a few days. This species also breeds in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. A male from the Texas.

Length to end of tail 13 1/4 inches, to end of wings 11 5/12, to end of claws 11 6/12; extent of wings 26. The mouth resembles that of the other Falcons; its breadth (9 1/2) /12ths. The tongue is short, 6/12ths long, fleshy, deeply emarginate and papillate at the base, broadly grooved above, the tip rounded and slightly emarginate. The oesophagus is 4 1/2 inches long, its width at the upper part half an inch. The stomach is very large, round, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, with a very thin muscular coat; its central tendons 4/12ths in diameter. The proventriculus is 9/12ths long; its glands very numerous, and cylindrical. The intestine is 26 3/4 inches long, (2 1/2) /12ths in its greatest diameter. There are merely two slight indications of coeca; and the cloaca is globular, with a diameter of 1 inch.

The trachea is 2 3/4 inches long, a little flattened; the rings 58, well ossified; its breadth at the upper part 3/12ths, at the lower 2/12ths. The contractor muscles cover the anterior surface entirely in the upper third, and are of moderate strength, as are the sterno-tracheales; a pair of inferior laryngeal muscles going to the membrane between the last tracheal and first bronchial half ring. The bronchial half rings are 15 and 18. PIGEON HAWK, Falco columbarius, Wils. Amer. Orn., vol. ii. p. 107. FALCO COLUMBARIUS, Bonap. Syn., p. 38. PIGEON HAWK, Falco columbarius, Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 60. LITTLE CORPORAL HAWK, Falco temerarius, Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 61. Adult Male. FALCO COLUMBARIUS, Pigeon Hawk, Swains. and Rich. F. Bor.

Amer., vol. ii. p. 35. FALCO AESALON, Merlin, Swains. and Rich. F. Bor. Amer., vol. ii. p. 37. PIGEON HAWK, Falco columbarius, Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. i. p. 466; Young, vol. i. p. 381; Male, vol. v. p. 368. Wings from two to three inches shorter than the tail, on the middle feathers of which are five, on the lateral six, broad whitish bands. Adult male with the cere greenish-yellow, the feet pale orange, the upper parts light bluish-grey, each feather with a black central line; lower parts reddish or yellowish-white, the breast and sides with large oblong brown spots; tibial feathers light red, streaked with blackish-brown. Female with the cere and legs greenish-yellow, the upper parts dark greyish-brown, the lower pale red, spotted as in the male.

Young with the head light reddish-brown, streaked with dusky, the upper parts brownish-grey, the feathers margined and spotted with pale red, throat white, lower parts pale red, streaked with brown. The tail-bands vary from pale red to white. Merlins aka Pigeon Hawks (Falco columbarius) Birds of Prey ... Falcon Information ... The Sport of Falconry The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small type of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. A bird of prey sometimes known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. European and North American variants Some regard the North American and Eurasian (F. columbarius) populations as two distinct species. The first modern taxonomist to describe the Merlin was Carl Linnaeus, a Swede who reported his type specimen came from America. Thirteen years after Linnaeus's description Marmaduke Tunstall recognized the Eurasian birds as a distinct taxon aesalon in his Ornithologica Britannica.

If two species of Merlins are recognized, the Old World birds would thus bear the scientific name F. aeasalon. Description The Merlin is 24–33 cm (9.5–13 in) long with a 50–67 cm (20–26 in) wingspan. Compared to other small falcons , it is more robust and heavily built. Males average at about 165 g (5.8 oz) and females are typically about 230 g (8 oz). There is considerable variation, however, throughout the birds' range and—in particular in migratory populations—over the course of a year. Thus, adult males may weigh 150-210 grams (5.3-7.4 oz), and females 190-255 grams (6.7-9 oz). Such sexual dimorphism is common among raptors ; it allows males and females to hunt different prey animals and decreases the territory size needed to feed a mated pair. The male Merlin has a blue-grey back, ranging from almost black to silver-grey in different subspecies.

Its underparts are buff- to orange-tinted and more or less heavily streaked with black to reddish brown. The female and immature are brownish-grey to dark brown above, and whitish buff spotted with brown below. Besides a weak whitish supercilium and the faint dark malar stripe – which are barely recognizable in both the palest and the darkest birds –, the face of the Merlin is less strongly patterned than in most other falcons. Nestlings are covered in pale buff down feathers, shading to whitish on the belly. The remiges are blackish, and the tail usually has some 3-4 wide blackish bands, too. Very light males only have faint and narrow medium-grey bands, while in the darkest birds the bands are very wide, so that the tail appears to have narrow lighter bands instead. In all of them, however, the tail tip is black with a narrow white band at the very end, a pattern possibly plesiomorphic for all falcons. Altogether, the tail pattern is quite distinct though, resembling only that of the Aplomado Falcon (F. berigora) and (in light Merlins) some typical kestrels .

The eye and beak are dark, the latter with a yellow cere. The feet are also yellow, with black claws. Light American males may resemble the American Kestrel (F. sparverius, not a typical kestrel), but merlin males have a grey back and tail rather than the reddish-brown of the kestrels. Light European males can be distinguished from kestrels by their mainly brown wings. In the north of South Asia, wintering males may be confused with the Red-necked Falcon (F. chicquera) if they fly away from the observer and the head (red on top in F. chicquera) and underside (finely barred with black in F. chicquera) are not visible. Subspecies That the Merlin has a long-standing presence on both sides of the Atlantic is evidenced by the degree of genetic distinctness between Eurasian and North American populations. Arguably, they might be considered distinct species, with gene flow having ceased at least a million years ago, but probably more. By and large, color variation in either group independently follows Gloger's Rule.

The Pacific temperate rain forest subspecies suckelyi's males are almost uniformly black on the upperside and have heavy black blotches on the belly, whereas those of the lightest subspecies, pallidus, have little non-dilute melanin altogether, with grey upperside and reddish underside pattern. American group Falco columbarius columbarius Linnaeus, 1758 Canada and northernmost USA east of Rocky Mountains, except Great Plains. Migratory, winters in S North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and N South America from the Guyanas to the northern Andes foothills. Rarely winters in the northern USA. Falco columbarius richardsoni Ridgway, 1871 – Prairie Merlin Great Plains from Alberta to Wyoming. Resident (some winter dispersal). Falco columbarius suckleyi Ridgway, 1873 – Coastal Forest Merlin, Black Merlin Pacific coast of North America, from S Alaska to N Washington state. Resident (some altitudinal movements).

Eurasian group Falco columbarius/aeasalon aeasalon Tunstall, 1771 Northern Eurasia from British Isles through Scandinavia to central Siberia. Population of northern Britain shows evidence of gene flow from subaesalon. British Isles population resident, rest migratory; winters in Europe and the Mediterranean region to about Iran. Falco columbarius/aeasalon subaesalon C.L. Brehm, 1827 – smyril (Faroese), smyrill (Icelandic) Iceland and Faroe Islands. Latter population has some gene flow with aesalon. Resident (some winter dispersal). Falco columbarius/aeasalon pallidus (Sushkin, 1900) Asian steppes between Aral Sea and Altay Mountains. Migratory, winters in S Central Asia and N South Asia. Falco columbarius/aeasalon insignis (Clark, 1907) Siberia between Yenisei and Kolyma Rivers. Migratory, winters in continental East Asia.

Falco columbarius/aeasalon lymani Bangs, 1913 Mountains of eastern Kazakhstan and surrounding countries. Short-distance migrant. Falco columbarius/aeasalon pacificus (Stegmann, 1929) Russian Far East to Sakhalin. Migratory, winters in Japan, Korea and nearby. Feeding / Hunting The Merlin will readily take prey that is flushed by other causes, and can for example be seen tagging along Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus) to catch birds that escape from this ambush predator into the open air. It is quite unafraid, and will readily attack anything that moves conspicuously. Merlins have even been observed trying to "catch" automobiles and trains, and to feed on captive birds such as those snared in the mist nets used by ornithologists. Even under adverse conditions, one in 20 targets is usually caught, and under good conditions almost every other attack will be successful. Sometimes, Merlins cache food to eat it later. In particular during the breeding season, most of the prey are smallish birds weighing 10–40 g (0.35–1.4 oz).

Almost any such species will be taken, with local preferences for whatever is most abundant – be it larks (Alaudidae), pipits (Anthus) or House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) – and inexperienced yearlings always a favorite. Smaller birds will generally avoid a hunting Merlin if possible. Even in the Caymn Islands (where it only occurs in winter), Bananaquits were noted to die of an apparent heart attack or stroke, without being physically harmed, when a Merlin went at them and they could not escape. Larger birds (e.g. sandpipers, and even Rock Pigeons as heavy as the Merlin itself) and other animals – insects (especially dragonflies and moths), small mammals (especially bats and voles) and reptiles – complement its diet. These are more important outside the breeding season, when they can make up a considerable part of the Merlin's diet. But for example in Norway, while small birds are certainly the breeding Merlin's staple food, exceptional breeding success seems to require an abundance of Microtus voles. Reproduction Breeding occurs typically in May/June. Though the pairs are monogamous at least for a breeding season, extra-pair copulations have been recorded.

Most nest sites have dense vegetative or rocky cover; the Merlin does not build a proper nest of its own. Most will use abandoned corvid (particularly Corvus crow and Pica magpie) or hawk nests which are in conifer or mixed tree stands. In moorland – particularly in the UK –, the female will usually make a shallow scrape in dense heather to use as a nest. Others nest in crevices on cliff-faces and on the ground, and some may even use buildings. Three to six (usually 4 or 5) eggs are laid. The rusty brown eggs average at about 40 x 31.5 mm (1.58 x 1.24 in). The incubation period is 28 to 32 days. Incubation is performed by the female to about 90%; the male instead hunts to feed the family. Hatchlings weigh about 13 g (0.46 oz). The young fledge after another 30 days or so, and are dependent on their parents for up to 4 more weeks. Sometimes first-year Merlins (especially males) will serve as a "nest helper" for an adult pair.

More than half – often all or almost all – eggs of a clutch survive to hatching, and at least two-thirds of the hatched young fledge. However, as noted above, in years with little supplementary food only one young in 3 may survive to fledging. The Merlin becomes sexually mature at one year of age and usually attempts to breed right away. The oldest wild bird known as of 2009 was recorded in its 13th winter. Systematics The relationships of the Merlin are not resolved to satisfaction. In size, shape and coloration, it is fairly distinct among living falcons. The Red-necked Falcon is sometimes considered more closely related to the Merlin than other falcons, but this seems to be a coincidence due to similar hunting habits; it could not be confirmed in more recent studies. Indeed, the Merlin seems to represent a lineage distinct from other living falcons since at least the Early Pleistocene, some 5 Ma (million years ago). As suggested by biogeography and DNA sequence data, it might be part of an ancient non-monophyletic radiation of Falcos from Europe to North America, alongside the ancestors of forms such as the American Kestrel (F.

sparvierus), and the Aplomado Falcon (F. femoralis) and its relatives. A relationship with the Red-necked Falcon (F. chicquera) was once proposed based on their phenetic similarity, but this is not considered likely today. In that regard, it is interesting to note a fossil falcon from the Early Blancan (4.3–4.8 Ma) Rexroad Formation of Kansas. Known from an almost complete right coracoid (specimen UMMP V29107) and some tarsometatarsus, tibiotarsus and humerus pieces (V27159, V57508-V57510, V57513-V57514), this prehistoric falcon was slightly smaller than a Merlin and apparently a bit more stout-footed, but otherwise quite similar. It was part of the Fox Canyon and Rexroad Local Faunas, and may have been the ancestor of the living Merlins or its close relative.

With its age quite certainly pre-dating the split between the Eurasian and North American Merlins, it agrees with the idea of the Merlin lineage originating in North America, or rather the colonization thereof. After adapting to its ecological niche, ancient Merlins would have spread to Eurasia again, with gene flow being interrupted as the Beringia and Greenland regions became icebound in the Quaternary glaciation. Ecology Merlins inhabit fairly open country, such as willow or birch scrub, shrubland, but also taiga forest, parks, grassland such as steppe and prairies, or moorland. They are not very habitat-specific and can be found from sea level to the treeline. In general, they prefer a mix of low and medium-height vegetation with some trees, and avoid dense forests as well as treeless arid regions. During migration however, they will utilize almost any habitat. Most of its populations are migratory, wintering in warmer regions. Northern European birds move to southern Europe and North Africa, and North American populations to the southern USA to northern South America.

In the milder maritime parts of its breeding range, such as Great Britain, the Pacific Northwest and western Iceland, as well as in Central Asia, it will merely desert higher ground and move to coasts and lowland during winter. The migration to the breeding grounds starts in late February, with most birds passing through the USA, Central Europe and southern Russia in March and April, and the last stragglers arriving in the breeding range towards the end of May. Migration to winter quarters at least in Eurasia peaks in August/September, while e.g. in Ohio, just south of the breeding range, F. c. columbarius is typically recorded as a southbound migrant as late as September/October. In Europe, Merlins will roost communally in winter, often with Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus). In North America, communal roosting is rare, and Merlins are well known for fiercely attacking any birds of prey that they encounter, even adult eagles . Merlins rely on speed and agility to hunt their prey. They often hunt by flying fast and low, typically less than 1 metre above the ground, using trees and large shrubs to take prey by surprise.

But they actually capture most prey in the air, and will "tail-chase" startled birds. Throughout its native range, the Merlin is one of the most able aerial predators of small to mid-sized birds, more versatile if anything than the larger hobbies (which prefer to attack in mid-air) and the more nimble sparrowhawks (which usually go for birds resting or sleeping in dense growth). Breeding pairs will frequently hunt cooperatively, with one bird flushing the victims towards their mate. Corvids are the primary threat to eggs and nestlings. Adult Merlins may be preyed on by larger raptors , especially Peregrine Falcons (F. peregrinus), eagle-owls (e.g. Great Horned Owl , Bubo virginianus) and larger Accipiter hawks (e.g. Northern Goshawk , A. gentilis). In general however, carnivorous birds avoid Merlins due to their aggressiveness and agility. Relationship with humans In medieval Europe, Merlins were popular in falconry . Today, they are still occasionally trained by falconers for hunting smaller birds, but due to conservation restrictions this is not very common any more.

John James Audubon illustrated the Merlin in the second edition of Birds of America (published in London, 1827-38) as Plate 75, under the title, "Le Petit Caporal – Falco temeratius". The image was engraved and colored by Robert Havell's London workshops. The original watercolor by Audubon was purchased by the New York History Society, where it remains as of January 2009. William Lewin illustrates the Merlin as Plate 22 in volume 1 of his Birds of Great Britain and their Eggs, published 1789 in London. Status and conservation Altogether, the Merlin is not particularly rare, and due to this and its wide range it is considered a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN. Its numbers are – except in the Asian part of its range, where the situation is less well determined – regularly censused. In about every major country it inhabits, many hundreds to many thousands are found, ranging from a "mere" 250-300 pairs in Byelorussia to perhaps as many as 30,000 pairs of aesalon in European Russia as determined in 1993.

It is listed on CITES Appendix II and on a local level protected as other birds of prey ; while some countries allow to capture Merlins, e.g. for falconry, international trade requires an export permit. By far the most serious long-term threat to these birds is habitat destruction, especially in their breeding areas. Ground-nesting populations in moorland have a preference for tall heather, and are thus susceptible to overmanagement by burning vast tracts instead of creating a habitat mosaic containing old and new growth. Still, the Merlin is rather euryoecious and will even live in settled areas, provided they have the proper mix of low and high vegetation, as well as sufficient prey (which is usually the case) and nesting sites (which is a common limiting factor). In North America, the species seems to have been more widespread in the past, or perhaps its range has shifted northwards: F. c. columbarius was an uncommon breeding bird in Ohio before the 20th century, but e.g. in Seneca County, as early as the 1900s even single adults were rarely seen in the breeding season.

Nowadays, it is encountered in Ohio only as a passage migrant and rarely as a winter guest. Changing land-use in Ohio mainly turned forest into agricultural land and thus is not very likely to have rendered the region inhospitable to the Merlin; global warming on the other hand cannot be dismissed as a reason, given that the Merlin is essentially a subarctic species that barely ranges even into temperate climes. Also, it may be that the number of Merlins wintering in the northern USA has increased during the 20th century. Perhaps the most frequent cause of accidental death for individuals is collision with man-made objects, particularly during attacks. This may account for almost half of all premature deaths of Merlins. In the 1960s and 1970s, organochlorine pesticides were responsible for declines – particularly in Canada – due to eggshell thinning and subsequent brood failure, and compromising the immune system of adults. This has since been remedied with restrictions on the use of DDT and similar chemicals, and numbers have rebounded.

Overall, Merlin stocks appear globally stable; while they may decline temporarily in places, they will usually increase again eventually, suggesting that this phenomenon is due to the fluctuations of supplementary food stocks discussed above Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License . It uses material from Wikipedia.org ... Additional information and photos added by Avianweb. If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster . Photo contributions are welcome hawk | bird | Britannica.com Hawk bird of prey Hawk, any of various small to medium-sized falconiform birds, particularly those in the genus Accipiter, known as the true hawks, and including the goshawk s and sparrowhawk s. The term hawk is often applied to other birds in the family Accipitridae (such as the kite s, buzzard s, and harrier s) and sometimes is extended to include certain members of the family Falconidae ( falcon s and caracara s). Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

Alan Carey The great majority of hawks are more useful to humans than they are harmful, but there is still widespread prejudice against them. Occasionally they destroy poultry and smaller birds, but usually they eat small mammals, reptiles, and insects. Hawks have many foraging techniques, but the most typical in their pursuit of prey is raking, or swiftly following the animal’s efforts to escape. Once the hawk has secured the prey with its powerful talons, the bird dismembers it with its sharply pointed, strong beak. Hawks occur on the six major continents. Most species nest in trees, but some, such as the marsh hawk, nest on the ground in grassy places, and others nest on cliffs. They lay from three to six brown-spotted eggs. The so-called true hawks—members of the genus Accipiter (sometimes also called accipiter s)—are exemplified by the sharp-shinned hawk (A. striatus), a bird with a 30-cm (12-inch) body length, gray above with fine rusty barring below, found through much of the New World, and by Cooper’s hawk (A.

cooperii), a North American species similar in appearance but larger—to 50 cm (20 inches) long. A long tail and short, rounded wings give these fast, low-flying birds great maneuverability. They feed on birds and small mammals; of all the New World raptor s, Cooper’s hawk is most suspect when poultry yards are raided. The goshawk and the sparrowhawk are also members of this group. Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus). Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. vulture The buteos , also called buzzard hawks, are broad-winged, wide-tailed, soaring raptors found in the New World, Eurasia, and Africa. The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), the most common North American species, is about 60 cm (24 inches) long, varying in colour but generally brownish above and somewhat lighter below with a rust-coloured tail. This beneficial hunter preys mainly on rodents, but it also catches other small mammals as well as various birds, reptiles (including rattlesnakes and copperheads), amphibians, and even insects.

The red-shouldered hawk (B. lineatus), common in eastern and Pacific North America, is a reddish brown bird about 50 cm (20 inches) long, with closely barred underparts. Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). falconiform: The black hawks are two species of short-tailed and exceptionally wide-winged black buteos. The great black hawk, or Brazilian eagle (Buteogallus urubitinga), about 60 cm (24 inches) long, ranges from Mexico to Argentina; the smaller common, or Mexican, black hawk (B. anthracinus) has some white markings and ranges from northern South America into the southwestern United States . Both species feed on frogs, fish , and other aquatic creatures. Some other buteos are the following: Harris’s , or the bay-winged, hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), a large black bird with inconspicuous brown shoulders and flashing white rump, is found in South America and northward into the southwestern United States. The broad-winged hawk (B.

platypterus), a crow-sized hawk, gray-brown with a black-and-white-banded tail, is found in eastern North America , where it migrates in large flocks. Swainson’s hawk (B. swainsoni) is a bird of western North America that migrates to Argentina. Two notable rough-legged hawks are the ferruginous hawk (B. regalis)—the largest North American buzzard (up to 63 cm [25 inches] long)—and the rough-legged hawk (B. lagopus) of both the Old and New Worlds. Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus). Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent The relationship of the Accipitridae and the Falconidae creates some confusion regarding the classification and naming of species, and some names seem—to the layperson, at least—to be used interchangeably. For example, in the United States Circus cyaneus is known as the marsh hawk or northern harrier; the same bird is known in Britain as the hen harrier .

Many falcons are known locally as hawks but have other, more widespread common names—e.g., the sparrowhawk, or kestrel ; the duck hawk, or peregrine falcon ; and the pigeon hawk, or merlin . Another related species, the fish hawk, is better known by the name osprey . Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus). Pigeon hawk - Pictures and facts - Birds @ thewebsiteofeverything.com Fish Pigeon hawk The Merlin is a smallish falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. A bird of prey sometimes known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Picture of the Pigeon hawk has been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution . Original source: Fiber II Author: Raj Boora from Edmonton, Canada The Pigeon hawk is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. This species is similar to the Pigeon Hawk, but is paler both above and below, and the tail bars are more numerous and white.

Their nesting habits are the same as those of the preceding species, they either building in hollow trees, or making a rude nest of sticks and twigs in the tops of trees. The eggs have a creamy ground and are sprinkled with dots and blotches of various shades of brown. Size 1.60 x 1.23. More Pigeon Hawk, a small bird of prey of the falcon subfamily and genus hypotriorchis (Boie) or msalon (Kaup), which differs from falco (Linn.) in its longer and more slender tarsi, covered in front with large hexagonal scales, and very long and slender toes. More A pigeon hawk captured a Mourning Dove and ate it right in front of my door. He was so possessif of his capture that I could approach him to with-in 10 feet. 1 Album Info: * Uploaded by: photoplo Photo of photoploIn Webshots channel: pets * Tags: bird, hawk, faucon emerillon, see more...

More pigeon hawk | Definition of pigeon hawk | HighBeam.com: Online … - Jul 12, 2006 Pay-Per-View - Oxford American College Dictionary - HighBeam ResearchFind out what pigeon hawk means: The Oxford American College Dictionary has the definition of pigeon hawk. Research related newspaper, magazine, ... More Use pigeon hawk in a SentenceSee images of pigeon hawkSearch pigeon hawk on the Web - Origin: 1720–30, Americanism mer·lin - pigeon hawk pronunciation /ˈmɜr lɪn/ Show Spelled Show IPA –nouna small, bold falcon, Falco columbarius, of the Northern Hemisphere. Also called pigeon hawk. - Origin: 1350–1400; ME merlioun, merlone < AF merilun, OF esmerillon, dim. More Information about pigeon hawk in the Hutchinson encyclopedia. pigeon hawks. Definition of pigeon hawk in the Dictionary. Meaning of pigeon hawk. What does pigeon hawk mean? Proper usage and pronunciation of the word.

In North America it was once known as the pigeon hawk, and its scientific name (from Latin columba, a dove) also refers to this popular prey item.. Merlin, or Falco columbarius, or 1. More * Pigeon Hawk Find and Compare prices on pigeon hawk at Smarter.com. Email this page to a friend Houghton Mifflin pigeon hawk NOUN: See merlin. More Pigeon Hawks in the west coast region from Portland, Oregon, to the Chitins River, Alaska, and eastward in British Columbia to the Similkameen and Okanagan valleys. A breeding pair with a family from which young specimens were taken, on the Chitins headwaters-close to the Yukon-Alaska line-proved to be the eastern form, Falco columbarius columbarius. Birds observed at Portland, Oregon, in winter-one at very close quarters-were almost certainly juveniles of the dark form, F. c. sckleyi, or at least not the eastern form. More Pigeon Hawk, a powerful war deity , is a younger brother of Great Black Hawk, Chief of the Thunders.

In conformity with his nature as spirit chief of pigeon hawks, his favorite food is pigeon. When he was a nestling, a human captured him and treated him well as a pet. When he matured, the human gave him his freedom. This man was captured some time later by the Bad Thunderbirds, who intended to eat him. More * Why is a pigeon hawk called a pigeon hawk? * What is a pigeon hawk where do they live? * Are pigeon hawks in the US? * How do pigeons reproduce? » More Mentioned in * merlin * Falco * falcon (bird) * hawk * pigeon More Meaning 1 of Pigeon hawkpigeon hawk, merlin, Falco columbarius falcon * Peregrine1.) Peregrine, peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus - (a widely distributed falcon formerly used in falconry) 1.

More pigeon hawkpigeon hawk - small falcon of Europe and America having dark plumage with black-barred tail; used in falconryFalco columbarius, merlinfalcon - diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flightFalco, genus Falco - a genus of Falconidae How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. More pigeon hawk definition Hear it! = pigeon hawk definition pigeon hawk merlin pigeon hawk noun See merlin. Browse dictionary definitions near pigeon hawk 1. pig lead 2. pig out 3. pig-out () 4. pigboat 5. pigeon 6. More Picture of Falco columbarius above has been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution . Original source: Drew Avery Merlin, Life History, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology Esmerejón (Spanish) Cool Facts Merlin pairs have been seen teaming up to hunt large flocks of waxwings: one Merlin flushes the flock by attacking from below; the other comes in moments later to take advantage of the confusion.

Merlins don’t build their own nests. Instead, they take over the old nests of other raptors or crows. They also use magpie nests, sometimes laying eggs right on top of the nest’s dome rather than inside the cavity. Though it’s not much bigger than the more common American Kestrel, the Merlin is heavier and often appears considerably larger. As with most raptors, female Merlins are larger than males. The name “Merlin” comes from esmerillon, the old French name for the species. Merlins used to be called “pigeon hawks” because in flight they look somewhat pigeon-like. Their species name, columbarius, is also a reference to pigeons. Medieval European noblewomen—including Catherine the Great and Mary Queen of Scots—used Merlins for sport to hunt Skylarks. European and North American falconers continue to work with Merlins, hunting quarry that ranges from sparrow-sized to dove-sized. The oldest known Merlin was a male and at least 11 years, 11 months old. He was banded as an adult in New York in 1982 and recovered in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1993.

Habitat Open Woodland Merlins breed in open and semiopen areas across northern North America. The boreal subspecies usually nests near forested openings, in fragmented woodlots, near rivers, lakes, or bogs, and on lake islands. The Pacific Northwest subspecies seems to nest mostly in coastal areas and along rivers. The prairie subspecies nests in shrubs and trees along rivers and in small groves of deciduous trees planted as wind breaks. Merlins are increasingly breeding in towns and cities, where they often take over crow nests in conifers planted in residential areas, schoolyards, parks, and cemeteries. During migration Merlins stop in grasslands, open forests, and coastal areas. They winter in similar habitat across the western United States and southern United States, along the Pacific coast to Alaska, and along the Atlantic coast to southern New England. Their wintering range extends south through Latin America as far as Ecuador. Food Birds Merlins eat mostly birds, typically catching them in midair during high-speed attacks. They often specialize on hunting a couple of the most abundant species around; prey are generally small to medium-sized birds in the 1–2 ounce range.

Common prey include Horned Lark, House Sparrow, Bohemian Waxwing, Dickcissel, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, and other shorebirds. They don’t stoop on birds the way Peregrine Falcons do; instead they attack at high speed, horizontally or even from below, chasing the prey upwards until they tire. Other prey include large insects such as dragonflies, bats caught at cave openings, nestling birds, and small mammals. Merlin pairs have been seen teaming up to hunt large flocks of waxwings: one Merlin flushes the flock by attacking from below; the other comes in moments later to take advantage of the confusion. Behavior Aerial Forager Like other falcons, the Merlin is a strong and maneuverable flier. A typical flight speed is 30 miles per hour, and can be faster during chases. Despite their small size, Merlins look powerful in flight; they flap their wings faster than Prairie or Peregrine falcons. During the breeding season they are highly territorial around the nest, chasing away other Merlins and potential predators. Merlins are monogamous during a breeding season, but 80 percent find new mates from year to year.

When courting, Merlins (particularly males) perform spectacular flight displays, including bursts of strong, level flight while rocking side to side in the air; deep U-shaped dives; and slow, fluttering flights in a circle or figure-eight near to a perched mate. Both sexes claim their territory by soaring high in the air near their nest. Males also make a slow landing next to their mate, keeping their legs outstretched, bowing the head, and fanning the tail; he may bring food for the female. Outside of the breeding season, Merlins are usually solitary. However, they sometimes migrate in loose groups, roost communally, or spend the winter in pairs. Adults may be preyed on by Peregrine Falcons, Great Horned Owls, Cooper’s Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks. status via IUCN Least Concern Merlin populations are stable and appear to have increased between 1966 and 2014, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. This increase reflects their recovery from widespread declines in the 1960s due to pesticide contamination.

Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population at 3 million, with 44% spending some part of the year in Canada, 23% in the U.S., and 14% wintering in Mexico. The species rates a 7 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score. Merlin is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List . Starting in the late twentieth century, breeding Merlins have been colonizing an increasing number of cities and towns, where they take advantage of abundant House Sparrows for food and old crow nests for breeding sites. They expanded into New York and northern New England starting in 1995 and now breed across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Their winter range spread into the northern Great Plains between 1960 and 1990. Their ability to colonize urban areas may be counteracting a decline from habitat loss in other parts of their breeding and wintering ranges. Back to Top Credits Warkentin, I.G., N.S. Sodhi, R.H.M. Espie, A.F. Poole, L.W. Oliphant and P. C. James. 2005.

Merlin (Falco columbarius) . In The Birds of North America Online, No. 44 (A. Poole, Ed.). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Dunne, P. 2006. Pete Dunne’s essential field guide companion. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Committee. 2014. State of the Birds 2014 Report . U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, DC. View dynamic map of eBird sightings Migration Resident to long-distance migrant. Dark-form Merlins of the Northwest live there year-round or move short distances southward in winter. Most of the prairie Merlins move into the southern and central U.S. and northern Mexico, although some in urban areas remain there year-round. The taiga form migrates from far northern breeding grounds to the coastal and southern U.S. and as far south as Ecuador. Find This Bird Merlins are widespread, particularly in migration and winter, but seeing them is unpredictable. They have two modes: scanning open areas patiently from a treetop, and cruising at top speed in pursuit of small birds.

If a flock of foraging birds (particularly shorebirds) suddenly bursts into flight, a Merlin or other falcon may be the cause. Be ready to look quickly—Merlins cover a lot of ground and can be out of range in just a few seconds. Scanning treetops and low perches at forest edges, grasslands, or saltmarshes can also turn up a perched Merlin and the opportunity for a longer view. Merlins are also increasingly common around towns, where there is a steady supply of House Sparrows. Pigeon-Hawk — YodelOut! Birds Home > Types Of Birds > Pigeon-Hawk Pigeon-Hawk The nearest relative of the Merlin is the well-known Pigeon-Hawk (F. columbarius) of North America, which takes its name from its resemblance to the Wild Pigeon, this resemblance extending not only to the shape and poise, but to the rapid flight of this now rare bird. It is slaty blue above, with a broken collar of buffy on the neck, and creamy buff or ochraceous below, where, except on the throat, it is streaked with blackish.

The closed tail is crossed by more than one black band. The Pigeon-Hawk is found throughout the whole of North America from the Arctic Ocean southward to the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America, breeding mainly to the northward of the United States except in the Rocky Mountain area, where it is a not uncommon summer resident. Its food consists mainly of small or medium-sized birds, insects, and occasionally small mammals. “Among insects the dragon-flies are favorite morsels for this. Hawk, and the apparent ease with which it captures these nimble-winged insects demonstrates better than anything else its remarkable power of flight. The nesting site is very varied. In some instances the bird deposits its eggs on a ledge or in a cavity on the face of a cliff, in others in the hollow of trees or in nests made among their branches, and occasionally in the deserted nests of other birds.”FISHER. These birds lay four or five eggs, which resemble in coloration those of the Duck-Hawk. Other Species.  A darker race of the Pigeon-Hawk known as the Black Merlin (F. c. Suckleyi) inhabits the northwest coast from California to Sitka, Alaska.

Very little is known of its habits, and its nest and eggs have not been found. Richardson’s Merlin (F. Richardsonii) is a slightly larger and much paler-colored bird than the Pigeon-Hawk. It is found in the interior and western plains of North America, from the Mississippi River to the Pacific coast, and thence northward to British America, migrating southward in winter to Texas and Arizona. Like the Black Merlin, very little is known regarding its habits, though its nests and eggs are similar to those of the Pigeon-Hawk. Birds are a miracle because they prove to us there is a finer, simpler state of being which we may strive to attain. Douglas Coupland Birds are a group of endothermic vertebrates, characterised by feathers, a beak with no teeth, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a lightweight but strong skeleton. Merlin- Bird of prey - YouTube Merlin- Bird of prey Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented.

This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Feb 2, 2012 This is a Merlin called Chip, he is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. They bring in birds of prey to my college owls, larger falcons etc. This is just me getting to hold one finally XD Category Merlin | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Raptor Conservation, Education, Observation & Research Best chance to see: Early October Longterm trends: Relatively stable through mid-1970s; increasing since the late 1970s. Bites Merlins belong to the family Falconidae, a group of 60 species of caracaras, falconets, pygmy falcons, forest-falcons, and falcons. Were once known as pigeon hawks because their flight resembles that of pigeons (Columbiformes). In medieval falconry, Merlins were used by ladies. Both Catherine the Great of Russia and Mary Queen of Scots flew Merlins.

Have slightly larger wingspans than American Kestrels, and weigh up to three times as much as kestrels. In North America, juvenile Merlins occasionally migrate in loose flocks, sometimes together with Sharp-shinned Hawks. Each Merlin eats as many as 900 birds a year. Few live to be five years or more, in part because they often collide with cars, buildings, and trees. Sometimes feed on birds such as pigeons, which are twice their size. Larger raptors sometimes prey on Merlins. The number living in urban areas has increased substantially in the last 30 years. Seasonal Count – from North Lookout – 1934 to Date Note– no counts were made in years 1943, 1944 and 1945 Merlin Facts Introduction The Merlin is a small, dark falcon once known as the “Pigeon Hawk” because it somewhat resembles a pigeon in flight. Merlins are widespread, but uncommon throughout their range. In North America, Merlins breed in a variety of habitats in and around open areas in Alaska, Canada, and parts of northern and western United States. The species also breeds in Europe and Asia.

Recently, Merlins have begun to occupy suburban and urban areas as well. There are 10 subspecies worldwide, thereof which (Taiga, Black, and Prairie) occur in North America. Taiga Merlins breed from Newfoundland west to Alaska and into the northern tier of the United States including the western mountain states, and are highly migratory. Most Black Merlin breed in the Pacific Northwest, and are sedentary. Prairie Merlins breed in south central Canada and in the northern Prairie states of the United States and are partial migrants. Identification Merlins are slightly larger than American Kestrels. Like other falcons, they have long, thin wings and long tails, and typically engage in active flight. The species is a direct and deliberate flyer that flaps with short, powerful, piston-like wingbeats. Unlike many other falcons, merlins lack distinct mustache markings on their face. Merlins exhibit six recognizably distinct plumages in North America. Adult males and females are distinguishable from each other, as are respective members of the three subspecies. Juveniles of both sexes resemble adult females.

Prairie Merlins are lighter and Black Merlins are darker than Taiga Merlins. Adult males have bluish gray backs and wings, and black tails with two to five thin, gray bands. Their underparts have heavy, dark streaking with a rufous wash along the sides of the breast. Female Merlins have dark brown backs and wings, dark brown tails with thin, buff-colored bands, and buff-colored underparts that are heavily streaked. Females are about 10% larger in size and 30% heavier than males. Breeding Habits Merlins are typically monogamous. Members of breeding pairs winter separately, and each spring either a new pair bond is formed or an old bond is re-established. Merlins often return to the same breeding area, and many reoccupy the same nesting territory. Reuse of individual nest sites is less common. Males usually return to the breeding grounds about a month earlier than females. In some instances females remain on the nesting territory throughout the year. Merlins do not build their own nests, but rather use the abandoned nest of other birds, mainly those of other raptors or magpies.

The species also nests on cliff ledges, the ground, buildings, and in cavities in trees. When nesting on cliffs or on the ground, Merlin create a depression or “scrape” in the substrate. Unlike other North American falcons that do not bring nesting material to the nest, Merlins sometimes add greenery or other nesting materials. Pairs begin to bond one to two months before egg-laying. Merlins engage in an array of aerial displays. Males use “power flying” (a display that involves flying with deep wing beats and rolling from side to side while traveling in strong, flapping flight)to attract females and to discourage intruding males. Less and more intense versions of “power flying” are performed by males and females as well. Both members of a pair also soar and “high circle” to mark their territory. In “flutter flight” displays, males fly slowly with quick, shallow wing beats in a circular or figure eight flight pattern near their perched mate. Courtship rituals also include food begging by the female, food transfers from the male to the female, and nest displays by both sexes. Merlins lay three to five eggs per clutch.

If a clutch is destroyed early in the nesting season, a replacement clutch may be laid. Females do most of the incubating during the 30-day incubation period. After the eggs hatch, the female broods the nestlings continually for seven days. Once the young are at least a week old, females only brood them during inclement weather. Throughout this period, the male provides food for the female and the young. During incubation, males bring food back to the nest, and briefly incubate the eggs while the female feeds while perched nearby. After the eggs hatch, males call to females when returning to the nest area, and females then fly to the males to receive the prey for the nestlings. The young fledge when they are 25 to 35 days old. Two weeks after leaving the nest, fledglings begin to catch insects on their own, even so most young Merlins remain dependent on their parents for about five weeks after fledging. Feeding Habits Merlins hunt both from perches and on the wing. Like Accipiters, Merlins employ surprise when hunting from concealed perches and when flying rapidly below the canopy in attempts to flush prey.

Individuals sometimes use hills and other landscape features to hide their approach. Although the species sometimes dives on prey, Merlins do not typically execute high speed stoops from great heights. Hunting activity peaks in early morning and late afternoon. Merlins frequently cache surplus food both in winter and in the breeding season. Males cache surplus food near the nest, and females retrieve such items when the male is late in returning with food. Merlins feed primarily on birds. Although the species takes birds as large as pigeons and small ducks, it usually feeds on small- to medium-sized songbirds. In urban areas, House Sparrows are a major component of the diets of many Merlins. Merlins often prey on small shorebirds, particularly in winter. The species also feeds on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and on insects. Overall, Merlins are opportunistic hunters that feed upon the most abundant and vulnerable prey available. Migration The Merlin is one of 26 North American raptor species that are partial migrants. Like other falcons, Merlins often use flapping flight while migrating.

The species also soars on mountain updrafts and on thermals, but apparently does not require them to complete its migratory journey. Merlins, which regularly undertake long water crossings, fly in light rains as well as early and late in the day. In autumn, females precede males on migration. In spring, males precede females. The migration patterns of the three North American subspecies differ considerably. Taiga Merlins are complete migrants. Each autumn, almost all members of this subspecies leave their breeding grounds and migrate to their wintering grounds in the western and southeastern United States, and the West Indies, Mexico, Central and northern South America. Black Merlins are typically sedentary. Only individuals breeding at the northernmost part of the subspecies range travel south, and these individuals generally overwinter within southern parts of the subspecies breeding range. Prairie Merlins are partial migrants. Many migrate to the southern United States and in Central America, but others, particularly individuals breeding in urban areas, where songbird prey are common in winter, remain on their breeding grounds. Hawk Mountain’s long-term (1934-2002) average count for merlins is 46.

The average count for the past ten years (1993-2002) is 134. The peak of the Merlin flight at the Sanctuary occurs in early October. Conservation Status The current world population of Merlins is between one-hundred thousand and one million birds. In the 1800s Merlins declined in parts of their range as a result of persecution. The species suffered more serious declines in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s due to the widespread use of organ chlorine pesticides including DDT. When Merlins consume prey containing pesticides such as DDT, these chemicals accumulate in a Merlin’s fatty tissues and subsequently reduce reproductive success through eggshell thinning. Following bans on the widespread use of DDT in 1972, Merlin numbers began to increase in the 1970s and have continued to do so since. The species has experienced declines in some areas due to habitat loss and human disturbance. The species now breeds both in urban areas in the northern United States and in southern Canada. Urban areas are favorable breeding locations because they afford safe nest sites and abundant songbird prey.

MERL Trends Pigeon Hawk | Backyard and Beyond Backyard and Beyond Tags: birding , birds , Brooklyn , Green-Wood A really nice and extended look at a Merlin (Falco columbarius) yesterday in Green-Wood. The bird gave me the big, beady eyes, too. These falcons are known for perching for a long period of time, eyes on the lookout for the prize. The surroundings were busy with Blue Jays and Monk Parakeets, both roughly the same size as this small raptor, so a bit of a stretch as prey. The faint Fu Manchu “mustache” mark is visible in these photos, coming down from the eye. This species has a broad range in North America, with three distinct populations; East Coast birds are usually “Boreal” (a.k.a Taiga), Falco columbarius columbarius. A sort of medium roast bird compared to the very light Prairie and very dark Pacific subspecies. Half a dozen other subspecies are found across northern Eurasia. Note also the “eyebrow.” This species also known as Lady Hawk and Pigeon Hawk.

New York is the very southern end of their breeding territory, with only a few records in the state, generally in the Adirondacks. We see it here in NYC during migration. But sometimes at other times as well. I got a good picture of one last January in Green-Wood, practically right next door to yesterday’s location. Share this: Thanks for getting so close so we too could get close to this special bird. Great photos!

Question: Which bird is known in the USA as a pigeon hawk?
Answer: Merlin