97 Prairie Merlin

• A group of Prairie Merlin are called a; Brace / Leash / Illusion.
• I like the term illusion for them, they are in and gone before you know what just happened.
• This one was feasting on our birds at the feeder. 
• Notice the black tip of the curved bill and the black talons on the yellow feet.  This bird is a real predator.  It has been used in falconry.  It uses its speed to do its work.
• The female lays 3-6 eggs and stays on the nest for bout a month.  In this time she stays there while the male feeds her.  She will only leave the nest for short break or to defend the nest with a "Kee-kee-kee".
• The Merlin in North America was Known as the Pigeon Hawk, but it is not a hawk at all.
• It eats song birds and larger insects like grass hoppers.

• This one was about 5 miles from our house.  Looking for something to eat I'm sure.