The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Merlin (falcon)

MERLIN, or STONE-FALCON, a small and handsome European falcon (Æsalon regulus) prevailingly blue, known throughout the temperate parts of the old world, and very similar to the American pigeon-hawk (q.v.). It is fierce and courageous, and is trained in falcony for the pursuit of the birds that form its natural prey.