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.
Silvery pigeon Silvery pigeon The silvery pigeon ("Columba argentina"), also known as silvery wood-pigeon or grey wood-pigeon is a species of pigeon found in Indonesia and Malaysia. It was thought to be extinct but wild populations rediscovered in 2008 near Masokut Island might represent this species. The silvery pigeon is not distinguishable from the pied imperial pigeon at a distance, although this is not necessarily true vice versa; as the pied imperial pigeon can vary between a pale grey, pure white and even yellowish colouration, it is often possible to tell that a bird is "not" a "C. argentina". At close quarters,