Reflections of the Natural World

Saskatchewan Birds – Oiseaux in the Land of Living Skies – Post #10

Saskatchewan’s slogan, “The Land of Living Skies” could refer as much to its magnificent birdlife as it does to its awe-inspiring Northern Lights and spectacular thunderstorms experienced there. This centrally located Canadian Province’s “Land of Living Skies” is home to over 400 recorded oiseaux (Fr. bird) species. Using my personal photographs in a blog post format, viewers will learn about the natural history and conservation status of these interesting birds in the Land of Living Skies!
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Merlin – Falco columbarius
Name Roots: (L. falx “sickle” [talons & beak] – columbarius, “a pigeon keeper”)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Merlins are small falcons with a powerful build that is broader and stockier than the slightly smaller American Kestrel. Merlins have sharply pointed wings, a broad chest, and a medium length striped tail. They are usually around 10 inches long with a 12-inch wingspan. Most Merlins weigh around 7 or 8 ounces. Their plumage is dark colored, and usually either brown or gray. Their undersides are also dark, but interspersed with cream colored dappling.

DISTRIBUTION & OCCURENCE IN THE LAND OF LIVING SKIES

Merlins generally favor open country, preferring grasslands and marshlands, but can also frequent wooded areas.

eBird Bar Charts & Map Grid

CONSERVATION STATUS – International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Category

The Merlin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Redlist Classification Justification: This species has an extremely large range, the population trend appears to be stable, and the population size is extremely large. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.