The Merlin

The Merlin is a fascinating small falcon, standing outside the usual grouping of the 'True Falcons', and with a
range that is confined to northern climes, an exclusive preference that is shared by only one other, the much
larger Gyrfalcon.

This is the first comprehensive book on the species, covering its complete circumpolar range. The book starts
with a general comments on the evolution of the True Falcons and thoughts on their grouping, then covers the
general characteristics of the Merlin, the species' habitat, its diet, breeding (territory, displays, pair formation,
nest sites, eggs, chick growth, nest predation and breeding success), migration and wintering, survival, the
Merlin's friend and foes, and estimations of the world population. It also includes data gathered with a unit flown
on a male Merlin.

Previous books by the author include the award-winning Gyrfalcon (co-produced with Russian expert Eugene
Potapov), the Snowy Owl (also with Eugene Potapov), the first field guide to birds and mammals of the Arctic, and
The Arctic: The Complete Story which covered all aspects of the area.