Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: cairnstone on August 31, 2014, 08:45:29 AM

Title: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: cairnstone on August 31, 2014, 08:45:29 AM

I have seen and photographed Merlins every month of the year in Carleton Park (Brampton). I assumed I photographed a Merlin this morning but now am thinking it's a young Peregrine. Am I correct?
(http://oi58.tinypic.com/288sf1e.jpg)

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: thouc on August 31, 2014, 09:40:27 AM

My impression is a Merlin.

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: cairnstone on August 31, 2014, 10:18:35 AM

Thanks for the reply Thomas

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: BillSimpson on September 03, 2014, 08:58:01 AM

I live not far from you (Williams Parkway and Dixie) and I saw this bird several times on our street and could not identify it to my satisfaction. I guessed a Merlin or a Peregrine but it seemed unlikely that it could be either in our area.

Anyway, I took some pictures too, and perhaps these will help. Perhaps it is the same bird?



(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15127082695_e990b8b3ae_c.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com//3879/14940367759_fe5587aa17_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: cairnstone on September 03, 2014, 10:29:36 AM

I don't think yours is the same bird. The thing that made me question my falcon is the appearance of a dark hood. Peregrines are definitely present in the area. They have been around the Bramalea City Centre for years. Good habitat and plenty of pigeons.

Even though Merlins are considered rare in the summer here, I have seen them every month of the year in Carleton Park.

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: BillSimpson on September 03, 2014, 10:40:44 AM

Ok - so do you have any thoughts on whether this is a Peregrine or a Merlin? I searched high and low for helpful tips and pictures, and could find nothing to distinguish this particular bird.

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: cairnstone on September 03, 2014, 10:59:53 AM

Yours sure looks like a Merlin to me. Small size, no distinct "mustache" and short wings.

Title: Re: Peregrine or Merlin?
Post by: BillSimpson on September 03, 2014, 11:21:40 AM

Merlin it is then. Thanks for the tips.