Hi Susan,
Looks spot-on for a Merlin to me. Sharpie should have more rounded wings
with a different pattern underneath, a different tail pattern, and coarser
streaks on the chest. In one of the photos you can also see the little hook
on the side of the upper mandible (known as the "falcon's tooth") that is
characteristic for falcons and lacking in other raptors.
Too bad this beauty met an early demise!
Cheers
Hendrik
On Tue, Nov 5, 2019 at 9:25 PM Susan Norris <norris6158@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Anyone: A small raptor flew into a neighbors window and died. Click the
link (or copy and paste into browser) to view 4 images of it. I tend to
think this is a Merlin based on wing colors/design and shape, but am not
convinced it is not an immature male Sharpie. Any input would be
appreciated.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hmk39clgtxugbru/AACa58qX2EaN0G1gtv-pkhuBa?dl=0
Susan Norris
norris6158@xxxxxxxxx
