Birds of Ireland: Merlin

A merlin is an agile flier when hunting and their pointed wings are visible. They look smaller and darker than a kestrel

Merlin (Falco columbarius) Meirliún 

Merlin | Meirliún | Falco columbarius

A merlin is about 26-30 centimetres long with a wingspan of 56-62 centimetres. They are a scarce breeding species here typically found on upland and farmland in Autumn, Winter, and Spring.