Kestrel or merlin? (2 Viewers)

[tonyath]

At first I thought this was a female kestrel, now after looking at field guides and pictures on this site and RSPB website I think it might be a merlin.

The more I look the more confused I get.........but with my I.D'ing skills it's probably neither.

 

[Dave Hutton]

At first I thought this was a female kestrel, now after looking at field guides and pictures on this site and RSPB website I think it might be a merlin.

The more I look the more confused I get.........but with my I.D'ing skills it's probably neither.

Hi, It's a Kestrel!! nice photo though :t:

 

[IanF]

Yep! Kestrel :t:

 

[Jane Turner]

Here is a Merlin for comparison. Notice the difference in structure (Merlin is chesty and stockier) and especially the head markings.

Merlins look fiercer - its the stripe over the eye!

http://www.netfugl.dk/pictures/birds_user_uploads/18423_UU_4500_Dvaergfalk05.jpg

 

[tonyath]

Thanks,

Kestrel it is then,

Can you tell me how to tell the difference? This is the picture of a merlin from the Opus section of this website.

To me they look the same.

 

[Fast_falkon]

Kestrels are more beige where merlins are a little darker
also, the merlin has a little white stripe just above his eye, Kestrels don't have this stripe

 

[tonyath]

Ignore my last post

Thanks Jane

 

[Barred Wobbler]

Here are some photos of an immature merlin from various angles, taken in 2005. It must have been its first trip to the coast from the moors because it was remarkably confiding and unafraid of human presence.

I saw it on the path and when a walker disturbed it a few moments later it flew straight towards me and would have landed on my head or telescope if I hadn't moved just as it reached me. Instead it flew on and landed on a fencepost next to the path only 20 yards away from me.
(Click for larger image).

 

[Jane Turner]

Also Kestrel is longer tailed, and Merlin is relatively longer (and pointier) winged. Kestrels look quite round-headed whilst Merlins are flat headed. Merlins tend to have rather evenly barred tails, lighter bars on a brown base, Kestrels have darker finer bars, except the one just before the tip, which is broader.

The differences are easiest to see in flight. See below, Kestrels on left and Merlins on the right

 

[tonyath]

Thanks everyone,

The differences are so obvious when they are pointed out.

 

[bitterntwisted]

Another feature evident in flight is that Merlins are very fast. Kestrels can sometimes be quick, but Merlins give an impression of serious speed.

 

[John Cantelo]

Although originally said of American Kestrel vs Merlin (and really meant for birds in flight) the following still applies this side of the Atlantic - a kestrel is to a merlin what a moped is a Harley-Davidson! Also if the falcon you're watching passes a perched bird and doesn't 'have a go' then it's probably a kestrel,
John