Bird Guide

Common Kestrel vs Merlin

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Medium183 gShrubland

The common kestrel measures 32–39 cm (12+1⁄2–15+1⁄2 in) from head to tail, with a wingspan of 65–82 cm (25+1⁄2–32+1⁄2 in). The female is noticeably larger, with the adult male weighing 136–252 g (4+3⁄4–8+7⁄8 oz), around 155 g (5+1⁄2 oz) on average; the adult female weighs 154–314 g (5+3⁄8–11+1⁄8 oz), around 184 g (6+1⁄2 oz) on average. They are thus small compared with other birds of prey, but larger than most songbirds. Like the other Falco species, they have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Common Kestrel
Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Begging call, flight call · Jullouville, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0
Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Medium189 gWoodland

The merlin is 24–33 cm (9.4–13.0 in) long with a 50–73 cm (20–29 in) wingspan. Compared with most 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 (8.1 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 125–210 g (4.4–7.4 oz), and females 190–300 g (6.7–10.6 oz). Each wing measures 18.2–23.8 cm (7.2–9.4 in), the tail measures 12.7–18.5 cm (5.0–7.3 in) and the tarsus measures 3.7 cm (1.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Merlin
Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Call · Bear Head Lake State Park, St. Louis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Kathlin Simpkins · cc0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Common Kestrel and Merlin.