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
Pigeon-shooting United States, has criticized pigeon shooting. As early as the first quarter of the 20th century, editorial pieces were decrying the sport. In the USA, live pigeons shooting remains legal in several states. In Pennsylvania, a 2014 bill for banning pigeon shooting was opposed by the National Rifle Association. Legislators were apparently convinced and let the bill expire. In 2015, Pennsylvania Senator Patrick M. Browne re-introduced Senate Bill 715 to amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) to further provide for the offense of animal cruelty. Pigeon-shooting Pigeon shooting is a type of live bird wing shooting competition. Traditionally, there are