We sometimes receive reports from people who believe they have seen a Peregrine Falcon when they actually saw a Merlin. What’s the difference and how can you tell?

Merlins are also falcons, and although they are smaller than Peregrines, they may look somewhat alike. A female Merlin, especially, may resemble a juvenile Peregrine in plumage.

Here are some key characteristics to guide your identification:

• If it’s perched on a wire or a post, it’s almost certainly a Merlin.
• If it’s perched on a very tall building, it’s probably a Peregrine.
• If its nest is in a tree, it’s a Merlin.
• If its nest is very high up on a building, bridge or other tall structure, it’s a Peregrine.
• If it’s hunting in an urban backyard, it’s probably a Merlin.

Finally, if you hear the bird calling, compare the sound to those made by the Peregrine Falcon and Merlin on Cornell University’s All About Birds site.

In recent years, Merlins have become more numerous in Ottawa and other urban areas. As they prey on smaller birds, they may be seen hunting in backyards.

Other birds of prey you may see in Ottawa include the Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Goshawk.