One of MT’s Most Wanted

One of the most wanted birds in Montana is my friend the Merlin, Falco columbarius, if you want to be scientifically proper. Around these parts they’re known as pigeon hawks.

This small bird of prey is 9.5-13” long with a 20-26” wingspan. When compared to other smaller falcons Merlins are considered robust and sturdily built. Males weigh on average 5.8 oz, while females tend to weigh in at around 8 oz.

The males are blue-grey black with some subspecies ranging from almost completely black to silver-grey. The undersides are buff to an orange shade, with some black to reddish brown streaking. Females and juveniles are brownish-grey to dark brown with white-colored buff undersides spotted with brown. To make this even more challenging, their faces are less strongly patterned than other falcons.

Merlins are listed as rare for all seasons in Montana. Your best bet is to look around in areas with a mix of low and medium-height vegetation. Stay out of the forests because they don’t like dense areas.

Have you spotted this rare bird? If so, contact us with details!