Merlin (bird) 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 quail. The merlin has for centuries been well regarded as a falconry bird.
Western bronze-naped pigeon Western bronze-naped pigeon The western bronze-naped pigeon ("Columba iriditorques") is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, part of the subgenus "Turturoena". A medium sized bird, it has a pale, broad terminal tail band which is noticeable on landing. It is found in most countries of Africa. The IUCN Red List classifies it as a species of least concern. The species was first described in 1856 by the American ornithologist John Cassin. It is occasionally considered conspecific (belonging to the same species) with the eastern bronze-naped pigeon ("Columba delegorguei") and the island bronze-naped pigeon ("Columba malherbii"), and the three