American Kestrel vs Merlin

In short

The American Kestrel and Merlin are both small falcons, but they can be distinguished by their size, plumage, and behavior. The American Kestrel is more colorful and often seen hovering, while the Merlin is more uniformly colored and known for its fast, direct flight.

Identification tips

1. Look for the American Kestrel's colorful plumage and hovering behavior. 2. Note the Merlin's more uniform coloring and fast, direct flight. 3. Listen for the American Kestrel's 'klee-klee-klee' call versus the Merlin's chattering call. 4. Consider the habitat: kestrels in open areas, Merlins in more wooded settings.

Size

The American Kestrel is slightly smaller and more slender than the Merlin, with a more delicate build.

Plumage

American Kestrels are more colorful, with males showing blue-gray wings and a rusty back, while females are more uniformly brown. Merlins are more uniformly colored, with males being slate-gray and females brown, lacking the distinct facial markings of the kestrel.

Behaviour

American Kestrels often hover in place while hunting, a behavior not typically seen in Merlins. Merlins are more likely to pursue prey in fast, direct flight.

Habitat

American Kestrels are often found in open areas and are attracted to human-modified habitats like pastures and urban areas. Merlins prefer more forested or open woodland areas and are less likely to be seen in urban settings.

Voice

American Kestrels have a distinctive, high-pitched 'klee-klee-klee' call, while Merlins have a more rapid, chattering call.