Dear Tweeters,

Further comparisons of the subspecies of Merlin between the two
previously mentioned titles:

1)Peterson's Feild Guide 3rd Ed. 1990 by Roger Peterson.
2)Birds of Washington State by Bell and Kennedy, c. 2006

AND


3) National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Western North
America, Edited by J. Dunn and J. Alderfer, c. 2008.

"Black Merlin" described as darker than columbarius with fainter tail
bars and darker head (suckleyi). - this Merlin is brown with brown
breast of whites spots.

"richardsonii" - female is light brown to brown, with white breast of
brown spots.
male is light grey to blue/grey.

"columbarius" - male dark grey to grey black with a white breast of brown spots.
female is dark brown with a white breast of brown spots having a faint
moustache.

The very dark race is referenced as "suckleyi".
Pale race is referenced as "richardsonii".

Generally uncommon throughout the West.



4) Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Ted Floyd, c. 2008

Adult male Northern "Tiagra" - grey (F. c. columbarius)
Adult male "Prairie" - appears grey to light grey (F. c. richardsonii)
female sandy brown.
Adult "Black" - appears dark (F. c. suckleyi)



5) Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America, c.2003, 1st
edition, by David Sibley

"Uncommon in open habitats."

Shown: "Tiaga" Falco columbarius

Darker forms near Pacific Coast, British Columbia and southern Alaska
-"Pacific Black Merlin".

Paler in Great Plains - "Prairie Richardson's Merlin".


It is equally interesting to note that National Geographic (c. 2008)
believes that the Merlin is "generally uncommon throughout the West"
while BirdWeb has marked the Merlin as appearing Uncommon to Rare West
of the Cascades during the winter, but then in its charting declare
that during the month of November West of the Cascades is uncommon
sighting.

BirdWeb [quote]

"Prairie Merlins occur in the state, passing through in migration.
Merlins are commonly found throughout western Washington, including
urban areas, in winter and during migration." [endquote]


I really enjoyed reading the differences between the subspecies of
Merlin, the photo's, drawings, and comparisons in each title were
helpful. I, however, believe them to be as clear as MUD. If my bird
were to be a confirmed Merlin, it would be a richardsonii according to
Sibley's; A male "Prairie richardsonii" according to Smithsonian. And
a male "richardsonii" according to National Geographic. Peterson's
Field Guide indicates in word description to be a male "Prairie"
Merlin but of the "suckleyi" variety in its drawing or illustration,
(which Kelly McAllister has stated was mismarked, incorrect, or
mis-identified.)


The Merlin photos/illustrations available in five titles do not
compare to the actual bird in flight with its smooth lying feathers
and incredible agility! Each illustration and photograph is different
from the other.


It is no wonder that one would easily call my bird a Sharp shinned Hawk.
It is no wonder that one would easily call my bird a Merlin.

I had good time, nonetheless, except for that Junco....!




Michelle
Yelm
Thurston County
yelmbackyard at gmail.com