MERLIN.
FALCO ÆSALON, Tunstall.
Falco sesalon, Tunstall, Ornith. Brit. p. 1 (1771) ; Naum. i.
p. 303; Macg. iii. p. 317; Hewitson, i. p. 30; Yarr.
ed. 4, i. p. 74; Dresser, vi. p. 83.
FaucoriEmerillon, French; Zwerg-Falke, German; Esme-
rejon, Spanish.
This beautiful little Falcon breeds on moorlands
throughout the British Isles, and several instances of
its nesting in trees in parts of our country where no
moors exist are on record; but as a rule in the cultivated
and woodland districts of Central and Southern
England it is best known as a bird of double passage,
closely attending the migratory hordes of Finches and
Larks on their autumnal migration, and reappearing
casually in early spring. On many parts of our coasts
the Merlin remains throughout the winter months, and
plays havoc amongst the smaller Waders and other
shore-frequenting birds.
The nest of this bird is generally situated on a
tussock on the open moor, the bank of a moorland
burn or “ scaur,” and occasionally in rocks; it consists
M E R L IN , adult male.
Falco æsalon, Tunstall.