Merlin (bird) this phenomenon is due to the fluctuations of supplementary food stocks discussed above. Merlin (bird) The merlin ("Falco columbarius") is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of , with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters who specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to
Rufescent imperial pigeon Rufescent imperial pigeon The rufescent imperial pigeon ("Ducula chalconota"), also known as the shining imperial pigeon, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is found in montane forests of New Guinea. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a least-concern species. This species was described by Tommaso Salvadori as "Carpophaga chalconota" in 1874. Two subspecies are recognised: "Ducula chalconota chalconota" found in Vogelkop and "D. c. smaragdina" found in western, central and eastern New Guinea. A distinct population in the Foja Mountains has been reported. The male rufescent imperial pigeon is long,